Feb. 24th is Fat Tuesday and it is also National Pancake Day. There are many great freebies to be enjoyed so take advantage of these goodies. In honor of National Pancake Day, IHOP is giving away free pancakes. You can get your free pancakes from 7:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. You’ll receive three buttermilk pancakes, but it is a good idea to make sure that your local IHOP is participating before you arrive. Also, the offer is given for free, however they do ask that you consider making a donation to charity.

Jack in the box is also providing two free tacos but you must use a printable coupon from the site: Hang in there Jack.com. Simply download and print the coupon and use it, however it is only good for Feb. 24, 2009.

In addition to the food freebies, you can also watch the Mardi Gras festivities live through NOLO.com or Mardi Gras.com. This is a great way to enjoy the festivities, even if you aren’t in New Orleans, or a city that celebrates Mardi Gras. Educators and teachers can find lesson plans, worksheets, and activities for celebrating Mardi Gras at Mardi Gras Day.com.

Mardi Gras is celebrated the day before Lent begins, or Ash Wednesday. Since Lent is a time devoted to fasting, Mardi Gras is known for celebrating, feasting, and exuberant parades. If you celebrate Lent as well, there is a free activity guide that you can download that explains the meaning of Lent and gives you forty ways to celebrate Lent with your family.

Some interesting facts regarding Mardi Gras include that the date changes every year. This is due to the fact that Mardi Gras is dependent upon the date of Ash Wednesday as well as Easter. Ash Wednesday will always be forty days before Easter and that time frame is known as Lent. Since Mardi Gras is only celebrated in certain cities around the world, it’s important to realize that not all cities celebrate Mardi Gras on the same schedule. If traveling and planning to participate in different festivities, make sure to check ahead and determine the actual time that city celebrates Mardi Gras.

There is no doubt that Mardi Gras in New Orleans is the most famous of the celebrations, and after Hurricane Katrina, visiting New Orleans for Mardi Gras is a great way to support the city and bring much needed resources to the local economy.

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