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. 

Jackie Chan is clueless about the Kardashians and fans are not surprised by the revelation at all.

A throwback video has resurfaced on the internet, where Jackie was asked to name his favourite Kardashian and he was completely confused.

The incident occurred in 2017, while he was promoting his film The Foreigner on Access Hollywood Live.

The host asked him, “Who is you favourite Kardashian”. Chan, who was totally perplexed, replied, “Kardashian? What do you mean, Kardashian?”

The Rush Hour actor even inquired “if the name was English”.

Fans are not surprised at all by Chan being clueless about the popular American media and business dynasty, led by Kris Jenner as they emphasized that both belong to “different worlds.”

“Jackie Chan has been making action classics for decades… Meanwhile the Kardashian family built a whole empire off reality TV. Two completely different worlds colliding”, wrote one.

Meanwhile, another one highlighted how big of a star Jackie himself is that even the Kardashians are his fan.

A social media user commented, “The truth that’s not everyone knows the kardashians and Jackie wasn’t a new school type of person He’s an icon from way back, even the Kardashians are his fans.”

Work wise, the 71-year-old Hong Kong based actor last featured in Karate Kid: Legends (2025). He is all set to return for a potential Rush Hour 4 movie.  

Artificial intelligence has stormed into Hollywood with breathtaking speed and alarming consequences.

What began as experimental novelty has now escalated into a full-blown industry crisis, as viral AI-generated films and hyperrealistic clips of A-list actors force studios, unions, and lawmakers to confront the future of entertainment.

Earlier this week, the Dor Brothers, Berlin-based AI Video Production company, claimed they had produced a “$200,000,000 AI movie in just one day.”

The video, created entirely with generative tools, went viral on X (formerly Twitter), amassing millions of views and sparking debate over whether AI can truly replicate blockbuster filmmaking.

Supporters hailed it as proof of a new era, while skeptics dismissed it as hype.

Regardless, the post underscored how quickly AI is encroaching on traditional production models.

Deepfake Shock: Tom Cruise vs. Brad Pitt in AI combat

If the Dor Brothers’ film was a provocation, the viral AI fight sequence between Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt was a shockwave.

Created with Seedance 2.0, the 15-second clip depicted the two megastars trading blows on a rooftop with uncanny realism.

Variations of the video circulated online, complete with dialogue and camera angles, leaving audiences unsettled.

Screenwriter Rhett Reese (Deadpool & Wolverine) warned bluntly, “It’s likely over for us.”

The clip crystallized Hollywood’s worst fears that AI could convincingly mimic actors without their consent, eroding both creative integrity and livelihoods.

SAG-AFTRA draws line on AI exploitation

In response, SAG-AFTRA has taken a hard line.

The union condemned Seedance 2.0’s use of actors’ likenesses as “blatant infringement” and called for an outright ban on AI creations featuring real movie stars.

It is argued that unauthorized replication of voices and faces undermines performers’ ability to earn a living and strips them of control over their identities.

The guild has worked for several years on AI protections, with demands for strict consent requirements, compensation frameworks and federal safeguards.

Hollywood Divided: Threat or opportunity?

Hollywood is now split between alarm and opportunity.

Unions, screenwriters, and many actors see AI as an existential threat.

They warn of job losses, creative theft and a collapse of artistic value if studios embrace AI without regulation.

Some studios and technologists argue AI can be a powerful tool if used responsibly for previsualization, special effects, or enhancing workflows.

They stress that AI is not yet capable of producing true 4K theatrical-quality films, highlighting its current limitations.

The Road Ahead: 2026 as a defining year for cinema

2026 is shaping up as a pivotal year.

With studios investing billions in AI, unions mobilizing for protection, and viral clips eroding trust, Hollywood faces a defining choice: embrace AI intelligently or risk chaos.