Pancake Day in France - Can someone explain why the French call it Fat Tuesday?

[Ilovecurry]

Is this correct that the French call it Fat Tuesday and the children make traditional masks?

Isnt it because people use up all their food before lent so stuff themselves silly?

Mardi Gras is indeed carnaval time.

Thanks for reminding me, I must sort some costumes for the DCs.

Oh yes, and lovemylaptop is right, it's because all the fatty food was used up before Lent.

Mardi Gras translates better as 'Greasy Tuesday' IMO

because Pancake Day / Shrove Tuesday / Fat Tuesday / Mardi Gras/ Carnival was the last day of feasting before the fast of Lent started

making pancakes used up butter and eggs,
'Shrove' was because you'd go to confession to be forgiven (shriven) of your sins
Fat because you'd eat rich food before the fast
Mardi Gras is 'Fat Tuesday' in french
and Carnival probably derives from 'Carne vale' - 'farewell to meat' - again before the fast

so is the following correct please Im putting something together for an artcile

In France, Shrove Tuesday is called Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday. During the Mardi Gras festival, French children traditionally make and wear masks for fun!

Yes, it is correct. Although nowadays most just put on a Spiderman/Disney princess costume.