Today is...
Mardi Gras!

Mardi Gras (also known as Fat Tuesday) is the last day of the Carnival season—a period of raucous merry-making in the weeks leading up to Lent. In countries all across the world, people will celebrate with extravagant festivals, parades, and feasts. They will don costumes, dance in the streets, and binge on decadent desserts.
The two most famous Mardi Gras celebrations take place in Venice, Italy and New Orleans, Louisiana. At the Carnevale di Venezia the most important event is the contest for the best mask, which is judged by a panel of international fashion designers. In New Orleans, the festivities revolve around the Mardi Gras parades, which are organized by secret societies known as “krewes.” The members of these societies design the elaborate floats and ride them during the event, tossing beads to the crowd below.
To celebrate Mardi Gras, enjoy some delicious king cake, send a free Mardi Gras eCard, or don an exotic Venetian Mardi Gras mask! Joie de vivre!

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Today is also Learn What Your Name Means Day & National Grammar Day & National Pound Cake Day & International Pancake Day

March is International Ideas Month & National Craft Month & National Peanut Month

This week is Pet Sitters Week & Celebrate Your Name Week & Chocolate Chip Cookie Week & National Cheerleading Week
 

images and text courtesy of MyPunchbowl.com" -- http://www.mypunchbowl.com/

History for March 4th 1519 - Hernan Cortes arrives in Mexico in search of the Aztec civilization and their wealth. 1877 - Tchaikovsky's ballet Swan Lake premieres. 1924 -  The song "Happy Birthday to You" first appeared in print. 1931 -  British Viceroy of India and Mahatma Gandhi meet to sign an agreement for release of political prisoners & allowing public use of salt. 1974 -  First publication of People Magazine. ______________________________________________________ "It is of little traits that the greatest human character is composed." - William Winter