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.