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In discussing last night's episode of Treme with my co-workers, one said he never heard anyone call Mardi Gras "Carnival". He grew up in Metairie. Another co-worker who grew up on the Westbank said he's only heard out-of-towners say it. Since I moved here 22 years ago, I have heard it called Carnival quite often. I started out in the lower Garden District with other transplants who had been here for years so maybe that's why I heard it. But even my in-laws who grew up in Old Jeff say it. So which do you use?

Arthur Hardy is the only person I know who uses the term Carnival.

(have never seen treme, that said)

Both sets of grandparents and my parents (natives and lifelong residents of Orleans Parish) always said/say Carnival never Mardi Gras. It's an old school term....

I've always felt that Mardi Gras refers to the day, Fat Tuesday and the entire season leading up to Lent is Carnival.

Definition:

Carnival is a festive season which occurs the immediately before Lent. The main events are usually during February. Carnival typically involves a public parade or celibration, combining some elements of a circus, mask and public street party. People often dress up or masquarade during the celebrations, which mark an overturning of daily life.

...which seems in complete agreement with Jeeves above.

Ask yourself one question:

What kind of parade do you go see in New Orleans?

The answer: A Mardi Gras Parade....

My Mom, an uptown native, used the term "Carnival" for all of the period (and events, like balls and parades) from Twelfth Night to Mardi Gras, which she called Carnival Day.

I use both terms, depending on the situation.

C'mon maannn....where ya'll from, Mars???

Throw the freakin baby out da window, it's Carnival Time!!!!

Link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccu2_MRMF5Y

Carnival is the season, Mardi Gras is the day.

Only bad movies;) or people who aren't from New Orleans say Fat Tuesday (for Mardi Gras day) HA.....

Suzy Wong wrote:Only bad movies;) or people who aren't from New Orleans say Fat Tuesday (for Mardi Gras day) HA.....

And...N'awlins...