Mardi Gras: Los Carnavales Americanos

In the United States, most people do not celebrate "los carnavales." The people that do celebrate "los carnavales" call them "Mardi Gras." Mardi Gras arrived in North America in the 17th Century when a French explorer went to claim the territory of Louisiana. The first Mardi Gras took place in 1699 and was inspired by European celebrations of "los carnavales."

Today, the most important Mardi Gras celebration takes place in the city of New Orleans in the state of Louisiana. The party attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. There are groups called "Krewes" that organize parades during the two weeks before Ash Wednesday. There are more than 60 Krewes in New Orleans. The most important day of Mardi Gras is called "Fat Tuesday," the day before the beginning of Lent.

So even though "los carnavales" are not as important in the United States as they are in Spain, some Americans do celebrate before the beginning of Lent.

Vocabulary:
claim- reclamar
attract- atraer
parade- desfile
beginning- principio
Lent- Cuaresma

Links:
http://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/
http://www.mardigrasday.com/