Happy Fat Tuesday! 4 Mar 2025

Mardi Gras, or "Fat Tuesday," is a vibrant tradition that marks the last day of indulgence before the Christian season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. Rooted in ancient Roman celebrations like Saturnalia, Mardi Gras evolved as Christianity spread, blending local customs—most notably Carnival festivities—with religious observances. The name itself originates from French, with the word gras meaning "fat," referring to rich, fatty foods like meat, eggs and cheese that are traditionally enjoyed before the fasting season begins.

© SeanPavonePhoto/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

The road less taken?
4 Mar 2024Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica
4 Mar 2026Purple crocus flowers, Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria

More Desktop Wallpapers:

14 Apr 2024Bowling Ball Beach, California, USA
When ice imitates art
12 Jan 2024Bukhansan National Park, South Korea
7 Feb 2026Salar de Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia
9 Sep 2024Iguazu Falls at the border of Argentina and Brazil
Rock House in Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio
A future built on the past
Time to make an impression
Rides above the tide
11 Jun 2025Greater flamingos, Lüderitz, Namibia
A castle full of history
A prehistoric pavement
11 Nov 2025Externsteine in the Teutoburg Forest, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Isn’t this view mesmerizing?
28 Mar 2026African buffalo, Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
8 Feb 2024Mount Hood, Oregon, USA
30 Jun 2024Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
A view that’s out of this world
A labyrinth of luxury
6 Dec 2024Finnish Independence Day
25 Sep 2023Sea otters
1 Oct 2023Lake Bled, Slovenia
King of the jungle? Nope
20 Aug 2024Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, USA
2 May 2025Striated heron on a Victoria water lily, Pantanal, Brazil
25 Nov 2024Maasai giraffes in Amboseli National Park, Kenya
A beautiful labyrinth
Southern tip of a northern isle
29 Sep 2025Rainbow houses, Houten, Netherlands
7 Apr 2024International Beaver Day