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

Quick Scoop: Fat Tuesday 2026

  • Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
  • Also called: Mardi Gras, Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Tuesday.
  • It’s the last big day of feasting and celebration before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday the next day.

Think of it as the grand finale of Carnival season, especially famous in New Orleans with parades, music, and parties.

Why that date?

Fat Tuesday is always:

  • 47 days before Easter Sunday.
  • The day before Ash Wednesday, which starts Lent in the Christian calendar.

Because Easter moves each year, Fat Tuesday moves too and can fall anytime from early February to early March.

Mini FAQ

  • “Is Fat Tuesday the same as Mardi Gras?”
    Yes. “Mardi Gras” is French for “Fat Tuesday,” and both refer to the same day, though many people also use “Mardi Gras” for the whole Carnival season.
  • “What happens on Fat Tuesday?”
    Cities like New Orleans hold major parades, street parties, and feasts before the fasting and reflection of Lent begin.

TL;DR

Fat Tuesday 2026 is on February 17, 2026 , and it’s the festive last day of Carnival before Lent starts.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.