How would you explaing Mardi Gras to children?

Question

I'm trying to make up a Mardi Gras program for preschoolers, but I'm having a hard time not making it sound too religious or too bawdy.

Any suggestions

Answer 1

You probably kinow that mardi gras is really fat tuesday.  The last fling before lent begins.

I understand what you mean about both the religious aspect being v. sensitive issue in schools, as well as the increase in bawdiness and everything that goes with that.

What about having a little parade, they dress up and play little musical instruments - dance around, have a little party with treats?

Good luck.

I

Answer 2

Well just say it is a time where you give up something you really don't wont to give up! and you have to live without it for one month! Make it simple like that and put a little action with it! Have a little fun Preschoolers will laugh at anything!

Answer 3

a party, a parade to celebrate (something) and where people dress up.

Answer 4

The same way you discuss thanksgiving, christmas, all hallowed evening, those all have religious connotations ;-)

When my daughter  

in preschool, we simply said that Mardi Gras began as a religious holiday to help people get ready for Easter (or Spring), but so many people enjoyed celebrating that now there are parades and special meals that people cook as a tradition. Then there is a springboard for talks about traditions in families (what's a tradition in your family? Something you always do?) and parades (Have you ever been to a parade? What did you see?) What kinds of foods does your family cook in your traditions? Chinese New Year, Christmas, Hannukah, Thanksgiving. Definitely look into doing Chinese New Year, we have a lot of fun with this one...