In Celebration of Mardi Gras

In places all over the world

where Christians observe Lent 

and there is an expectation

of giving something up for several weeks

(to commemorate Jesus's period

of prayer and fasting prior to the Crucifixion),

the day before Ash Wednesday is

often the height of revelry and excess

before the period of restraint and sacrifice begins.

In New Orleans, the raucous festival

is known as Mardi Gras.

In Venice and Rio, it's known as Carnavale. 

And as you can imagine,

it's a playground for photographers.

Celebrate Ruby Tuesday

along with Mardi Gras.

Venice, I'm there in spirit!