Decorated with purple and green streamers, The Language Learning Cafe in Egan 231 hosted a Mardi Gras Party on Feb. 17 from 6-8pm. 

The celebration immediately started with a scavenger hunt, with “gold coins” strategically scattered across the room. Some participants found coins hidden under mugs, on books and even in the freezer. Two treasure boxes were also hidden, each containing festive socks and a $15 gift card to Jimmy John’s. 

Then, the feast began. Guests enjoyed traditional homemade king cake, shrimp, fruit and other treats while decorating masquerade masks. The atmosphere was festive, with French music playing in the background and colorful bead necklaces dispersed about. 

When senior Allison Gould, a French tutor for The Language Learning Cafe, was  asked about the event she remarked: “Events like Mardi Gras [show] a cultural connection to the language[s] that we teach. . .it [shows] that it’s a part of the greater world we live in beyond just  what is taught. . .but also being fun [especially] with the Catholic aspect, preparing for the season  [and] entering into the great fast.” 

Conversation at the table brought up the importance of connection and the Catholic call to embrace different cultures. 

The party energetically ended with a green and purple flower piñata, in which each participant received a chance to swing at.

Between festivity and company, it’s clear that Mardi Gras isn’t merely an excuse to indulge before vainly fasting. It’s about connection, learning about deeply historical and cultural roots of Catholic tradition, and preparing for a fruitful season. Events like this allow students to taste the joy of international culture, as well as experience a relaxing and uplifting time before the beginning of Lent.