Mardi Gras officially ends at midnight on Mardi Gras Day (Fat Tuesday) , when it turns into Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent begins.

For 2026 specifically

  • Mardi Gras Day in 2026 is Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
  • The Carnival/Mardi Gras season runs from January 6 (Epiphany) until the end of Fat Tuesday at midnight on February 17.
  • After midnight between February 17 and 18 , Mardi Gras is considered over and Lent begins.

So if you’re wondering “when does Mardi Gras end?” in practical terms:

  • The season ends at midnight on Fat Tuesday.
  • Many parades and big street parties wind down by late evening on Fat Tuesday, with police and city officials starting to clear streets (especially in New Orleans’ French Quarter) as midnight approaches.

In short: Mardi Gras ends when Fat Tuesday ends at midnight, and Ash Wednesday begins.

Quick SEO-style notes

  • Focus keyword: “when does mardi gras end” used in heading and answer.
  • Temporal reference: Answer includes the current cycle (2026 date and midnight cutoff).

TL;DR: Mardi Gras ends at midnight on Fat Tuesday (in 2026: the night of February 17, as it turns into February 18).

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