There are so many reasons to love Louisiana and the joie de vivre that our state is known for. Nothing brings out that "joy for being alive" quite like the Mardi Gras season. It's got parties, it's got food, it's got friends, it's got families, and it will exhaust you totally if you're not careful. That's why Louisiana residents have to plan for Mardi Gras every year and next year you might want to plan on adding a little purple green and gold to your Christmas decor.

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Submitted Photo
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How is the Date for Mardi Gras Determined?

I am sure you're aware of the connection between Mardi Gras and Easter. Mardi Gras is always the day before Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday is always 46 days before Easter Sunday. All of that makes perfect sense but why does the Easter holiday float to different dates each year?

Christopher Polk/Getty Images
Christopher Polk/Getty Images
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How is the Date for Easter Determined Each Year?

Easter Sunday is the first Sunday following the first full moon that follows the spring equinox, also known as the first day of spring. This year, 2023, the first day of Spring is March 20th. The next full moon to follow the spring equinox will occur on April 6th. It's called the Pink Moon. The first Sunday to follow that April 6th full moon is April 9th and if you check your calendar that is Easter Sunday this year.

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What Are the Dates for Mardi Gras and Easter Sunday in 2024?

Since you know the formula we'll give you the data and figure this one out together. The spring equinox will take place in our part of the world on March 19th. The first full moon following that date is the Worm Moon and March 25th. So that means that Easter Sunday in 2024 will be on March 31st. That's early.

And when you consider to get to the date for Mardi Gras you've got to count backward 46 days there will be quite the combination of holidays taking place in mid-February of next year. If you aren't good at math Mardi Gras 2024 will be February 13th or the day before St Valentines Day or just 44 days after New Year's Eve.

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Catherine Jones, ThinkStock Images
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Christmas and Mardi Gras will Overlap in 2024.

We are aware that technically the Mardi Gras season doesn't start until January 6th. However, Mardi Gras crews will be scrambling to organize their balls and other krewe activities in that very short window of time between Epiphany and Ash Wednesday. Heck, you'll only have 25 days in January and 13 more in February to get all of the parties and celebrations in. But, I think we can do it.

LOOK: Food history from the year you were born

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