Fat Tuesday — Mardi Gras in French — is celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday. This year, Mardi Gras falls on March 4. The name Fat Tuesday comes from households using up all the fats stored in the kitchen and pantry before Ash Wednesday and Lent begin.

Palmerton resident and contributing writer Lynn Shupp brings us a firsthand look from Mardi Gras in Mobile, Alabama, which competes with New Orleans By LYNN Shupp [email protected]

Mardi Gras or 'Fat Tuesday' is here, while Ash Wednesday will kick off the start of Lent and 'fish' Fridays. Here are the dates to know