Mardi Gras in Provence: Origins, traditions… and the difference with Candlemas

Mardi Gras Masks in Provence

Mardi Gras is a popular and festive celebration, deeply rooted in Provence, often associated with costumes, carnival parades, and indulgent treats.

For a long time, I must admit, I personally struggled to understand the difference between Mardi Gras and Candlemas. Crêpes, winter, celebrations… everything seemed to blur together in my mind.

And yet, they are two very distinct traditions, with different origins and meanings.

In this article, I explain:

• the origins of Mardi Gras,

• its connection to carnival,

• and above all, how it differs from Candlemas.

Where does Mardi Gras come from?

Mardi Gras parade: costumes and joy in the streets

Mardi Gras is an ancient Christian tradition whose origins date back to Antiquity.

It corresponds to the last day before the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and sobriety that precedes Easter. Lent commemorates the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert.

The word “gras” (fat) refers to rich foods — butter, eggs, sugar, meat — which had to be consumed before entering this period of restriction.

👉 Mardi Gras therefore became a final day of celebration, excess, and indulgence before a more restrained time.

Mardi Gras and Carnival: costumes and transgression

Nice Carnival: a colorful and spectacular celebration

Traditionally, Mardi Gras is closely linked to carnival.

In the past, this day allowed a symbolic transgression of social rules:

• the wealthy dressed as the poor,

• men dressed as women,

• the established order was temporarily overturned.

It was a moment of freedom, satire, and collective celebration.

Today, the social meaning has evolved, but the spirit remains the same:

👉 costumes, parades, music, crêpes, doughnuts…

Mardi Gras remains a joyful and popular celebration, especially appreciated by children.

Some of the most famous carnivals in the world take place in: Nice, Dunkirk, Venice, Rio, and New Orleans.

And what about Candlemas?

Candlemas crêpes, a beloved French tradition

Candlemas, celebrated on February 2nd, is a different celebration, even though it is also associated with crêpes.

Originally, Candlemas is a Christian feast celebrating the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, 40 days after Christmas. It is linked to light — the word comes from “chandelle” (candle) — and symbolically marks the end of winter.

Over time, the tradition of eating crêpes became established:their round, golden shape evokes the sun and the return of brighter days.

Candlemas and Mardi Gras: what’s the difference?

Here is what finally helped me see things clearly 👇

Candlemas (February 2nd)

• celebration of light

• family tradition

• crêpes are eaten

• calm and convivial atmosphere

Mardi Gras (variable date, February or March)

• celebration just before Lent

• costumes and carnival

• indulgence and excess

• festive and popular atmosphere

👉 Both celebrations share a love of food, but not the same meaning.

Two traditions, the same joy of sharing

In Provence, as elsewhere in France, these traditions are still very much alive.

Crêpes on Candlemas, costumes and carnival on Mardi Gras: above all, they are simple and joyful moments of sharing that brighten the winter months.

These are exactly the kinds of everyday traditions I love to share during my immersion stays in Provence:learning French, yes — but also understanding culture, celebrations, and daily habits, naturally, day by day.

FAQ – Mardi Gras and Candlemas

Doughnuts on Mardi Gras, a symbol of indulgence

What is the difference between Mardi Gras and Candlemas?

Candlemas is a celebration of light, held on February 2nd, associated with crêpes and family gatherings. Mardi Gras is a celebration before Lent, linked to carnival, costumes, and indulgence.

Why do people eat rich foods on Mardi Gras?

Because it is the last day before Lent, a period of fasting in the Christian tradition.

Is Mardi Gras always associated with carnival?

Yes, historically Mardi Gras marks the high point of the carnival season.

Is Mardi Gras celebrated everywhere in France?

Yes, but with different traditions depending on the region. In Provence, it is often linked to local carnivals and festivities.

🔗 To go further

If you are interested in French traditions, you can continue exploring two major moments in the cultural calendar, very different yet deeply rooted in the French way of life.

The Nice Carnival, one of the largest carnivals in the world, is directly linked to the Mardi Gras period. Each year, it attracts visitors from around the globe with its monumental parades and famous flower battles, iconic symbols of southern France.

Candlemas, celebrated throughout France, is a more intimate but equally meaningful celebration. It marks the gradual return of light after winter and keeps alive a beloved tradition of sharing crêpes with family and friends.

Each of these popular festivities tells its own story of French culture — blending conviviality, transmission, and sensory pleasure.

If you come to stay with me for a French immersion experience in Provence, I will help you discover all aspects of Provence: landscapes, scents, culture, and gastronomy… while naturally improving your French through everyday life.

See you soon in Provence!

Virginie in Provence