Mardi Gras 2026 will be celebrated with great fanfare on February 17th. Originally rooted in tradition and cherished by both children and adults, this festive occasion marks the time to indulge in all those hidden fatty ingredients lurking in the pantry—like butter and eggs—before the start of Lent and its 40 days of abstaining from rich foods.
Delights vary from one region of France to another: crispy oreillettes in Provence, Merveilles in Bordeaux, ganses in Nice, bugnes in Savoie, and crêpes in Lyon. This is the perfect time for sweet tooth enthusiasts to indulge, as tradition calls for indulging in doughnuts, waffles, and crêpes of every kind.
Usually kicked off by a carnival with roots dating back to the Middle Ages, Mardi Gras is celebrated in grand style in Paris, decked out with costumes and indulging in sweet treats. To make sure your Mardi Gras on February 17, 2026, goes off without a hitch, check out our tips and top places in Paris for Mardi Gras 2026!
Why is Mardi Gras 2026 celebrated? History and origins
Mardi Gras falls this year on February 17, 2026. But what exactly are we celebrating on that day? Why does it always happen on a Tuesday, and not another day of the week? And what’s the story behind dressing up for Mardi Gras? [Read more]
History of the Paris Carnival: A Medieval Tradition Long Celebrated in the Capital
Colors, music, costumes, and food... The Paris Carnival has long been a grand celebration that lit up the city for decades. But do you know the history behind this festive event? [Read more]
What’s on the menu for Mardi Gras 2026? A look at traditional donuts across France's regions
It would be fair to say that the number of recipes and names for these sweet treats matches the variety of regions across France. So, let's take a quick tour of the different types of beignets in France, just in time for Mardi Gras 2026 on February 17th! [Read more]
Where to eat good donuts and beignets in Paris? Our top spots
Do you love plump sugar-coated donuts and beignets filled with chocolate or jam? You're sure to find something to tempt you at these great places! [Read more]
Where to eat good waffles in Paris? Our top spots
Fancy a hot, fluffy waffle? Discover the addresses in Paris where you can satisfy your sweet tooth! [Read more]
Where can you eat good crêpes in Paris? Our favorite crêperies
Discover the best creperies in Paris where you can enjoy sweet and savoury crepes without a guilty conscience! [Read more]
Where to eat crêpes Suzette in Paris? Our best addresses
A dessert as refined as it is delicious, crêpes Suzette are one of France's most iconic desserts. Here are our top picks for where to eat them in Paris! [Read more]
Where to find a delicious semla in Paris? Our top addresses for savoring the Swedish Mardi Gras pastry
Are you familiar with the semla? An true Swedish cultural icon, this pastry is traditionally enjoyed on Shrove Tuesday. So, what exactly is inside, and where can you find it in Paris? We’ve got all the details on this beloved bun that Swedes simply can’t get enough of. [Read more]
Mardi Gras 2026: Easy Recipes for Donuts, Waffles, and Bugnes
It’s time to head into the kitchen and whip up some delicious, fluffy doughnuts—perfect for celebrating Mardi Gras 2026 on February 17th! Whether for your kids or yourself, these treats are sure to delight. [Read more]
Mardi Gras 2026: Indulge in delicious beignets at Hugues Pouget in Paris
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Discover Mardi Gras donuts at Hugues Pouget, the Parisian bakery nestled in the 6th arrondissement. On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, this sweet hotspot is serving up delectable treats to celebrate the tradition in style. [Read more]
Mardi Gras 2026 in Osny: An Evening of Music at the Forum of Arts
In Osny, the Municipal School of Music is hosting a lively Mardi Gras celebration at the Forum des Arts et des Loisirs, featuring an open-to-all acoustic concert on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 8:30 PM. Students will take the audience on a journey through global musical sounds, creating an inclusive atmosphere — costumes are encouraged if you feel like dressing up. [Read more]
Mardi Gras 2026: Why Does the Donut Have a Hole in the Middle?
Have you ever wondered why donuts have that perfect hole in the middle? Here's the answer! [Read more]
There will no longer be a Paris Carnival or a Women's Carnival running in the capital!
Lacking funds, the organization behind both the Paris Carnival and the Women's Carnival has announced the cancellation of these beloved events, which have long been highlights for Parisians and visitors alike. [Read more]
Lent and Ash Wednesday: Dates for 2026, meaning, and the history behind these traditions
Lent begins on February 18, 2026, with Ash Wednesday. What do these observances signify, and where did these important traditions for Christians originate? Here's the story. [Read more]
Happy Mardi Gras 2026 to everyone!
Dates and Opening Time
On February 17, 2026
