when is fat tuesday

Fat Tuesday in 2026 is on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

What Fat Tuesday Is

Fat Tuesday is the final day of the Carnival season and always falls on the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of Lent in the Christian calendar. It is also widely known by its French name, Mardi Gras, especially in places like New Orleans where the celebration is famous for parades, costumes, and rich foods.

Why the Date Changes

The date of Fat Tuesday moves each year because it is tied to the date of Easter, which is calculated as the first Sunday after the full moon following the spring equinox. Ash Wednesday is always 46 days before Easter, and Fat Tuesday is always the day before Ash Wednesday, so it can fall on any Tuesday between early February and early March.