French students celebrate Mardi Gras!

WF French classes celebrated Mardi Gras on Feb. 25, led by Madame Alford and Madame Matthews.

Mardi Grad (Fat Tuesday) marks the beginning of the Lenten season. Mardi Gras can be traced to the Middle Ages, through Rome and Venice in the 17th and 18th centuries to the French House of the Bourbons, where it was called "Boeuf Gras" or fatted calf. This tradition found its way to the French colonies.

Mardi Gras is one last day of eating rich before the fasting and sacrifices of Lent. Many people around the world, both religious and non, take advantage of the opportunity this time represents to reflect and sacrifice, whether it is giving up a bad habit or putting in extra effort to do something good.

French students enjoyed the event and what it means.

"It's something we don't usually do but it also allowed us to explore a more cultural aspect versus just the language," said French student and senior Alyssa Kleine.