Entertainment
5 surprising facts about Mardi Gras you may not know
Streets are about to turn purple, green, and gold as communities celebrate Mardi Gras.
The celebration dates back centuries, preceding the Christian season of Lent.
Commonly known as “Fat Tuesday,” Mardi Gras is celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday, representing the start of Lent, 40 days of fasting and reflection leading up to Easter.
The tradition linked to European Christians serves as a final opportunity to enjoy rich foods before the more solemn season starts.
Here are some surprising facts about Mardi Gras that you may not know.
It’s a legal holiday in Louisiana
Mardi Gras is officially celebrated across the United States. However, the government of Louisiana declares it an official holiday. Considering how deeply the festival is woven into the state’s culture, the government offices and schools remain closed.
Mardi Gras colors have meaning
The official colors (purple, green, and gold) are not chosen randomly. In 1872, the Krewe of Rex in New Orleans assigned meaning to them. Purple represents justice, green indicates faith while gold is the symbol of power.
Mask wearing is required by law
Legal bodies in New Orleans have mandated float riders to wear masks. The rule dates back to the 19th century and was designed to encourage anonymity and social equality during the festivities.
UNESCO Belgium recognises it formally
The Carnival of Binche in Binche holds so much significance culturally that it was recognised by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Performers known as Gilles throw oranges into crowds as part of the celebration.
Largest free party in the U.S.
Mardi Gras is also known as the largest free party in the United States, attracting over a million visitors in peak years.
From medieval Europe to modern-day America, the celebration continues to blend faith, culture, and community. Mardi Gras is set to conclude at midnight.
Entertainment
Why TV’s biggest series are coming to an end in 2026?
Several popular TV shows are coming to an end in 2026 as networks and streaming platforms wrap up both long-running and newer series.
Among the major titles finishing this year are Outlander, ending after eight seasons and The Boys, concluding with its fifth season.
Netflix is also closing chapters on shows like The Witcher, Outer Banks and Queer Eye.
Long-running programs including The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Jersey Shore: Family Vacation are preparing to air their final episodes.
Other series ending this year include Tell Me Lies, The Upshaws, Yellowjackets, The Chi, The Neighborhood and The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon.
The cancellations cover a range of genres from drama to reality, showing the variety of programming affected.
Reasons for these endings are that some of shows have seen a drop in viewership, while others faced higher production costs.
In some cases, creators have chosen to conclude stories on their own terms to preserve the quality of the series.
Even though these series are ending, some stories will continue in spin-offs or new projects.
So while fans will miss the original shows, the worlds and characters they love might still come back in new ways.
Entertainment
Mindy Kaling on her new book publishing venture and amplifying women’s stories
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Entertainment
David Henrie and wife Maria announce surprise 4th pregnancy
David Henrie and wife Maria Cahill’s dream of a big family is coming true.
The couple, who tied the knot in 2017, announced on Sunday, April 5, that they are expecting their fourth child together.
“SURPRISE! Figured this moment was as good as ever to share the good news… Maria is 5 months pregnant!” the Wizards of Waverly Place star wrote on Instagram, noting that the pregnancy was a bit of a surprise.
“Crazy story. Long story short, Maria and I had made peace with the idea that the ‘big family’ dream might not be God’s plan for us. Which was fine, we’re grateful for our 3!” he wrote. “Through a miraculous encounter that would have never happened without @seekingbeauty.ewtn in Seville, Spain , and the intercession of St. Teresa of Avila, we are having our 4th!”
Editing the caption, Cahill added a message of support for everyone who is struggling with conceiving after her own experience with multiple miscarriages.
“While I’m excited for David to share this with you, I also know that it can be so hard to read pregnancy announcements when you’re the one that’s trying to have a baby and nothing seems to be working. I’ve been there – trying to be happy for others but simultaneously grieving a happiness that I wish could have been mine,” the former pageant queen wrote.
“While I’m so overjoyed to add a brother to our family, I can’t help but think of all of you women. Know that I see you all, am thinking of you today, and are praying hard for your future pregnancies,” she added.
The expecting parents welcomed their first child together — daughter Philomena Francesca Henrie — in 2019 after a blessing from Pope Francis. In 2020, they welcomed son James, and another daughter in 2022.
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