Tuesday the 21st February was Mardi Gras or Shrove Tuesday this year. Although acknowledged by Christians around the world, Mardi Gras is celebrated especially in France and other Catholic countries. It marks the last day of the Carnival celebrations before the serious time of Lent that leads up to Easter.

Traditionally, the French eat 'crêpes' (thin pancakes) for Mardi Gras to use up the rich sugary and buttery 'naughty' things in the cupboard before abstaining from these things for the 40 days of Lent. This year, due to the egg shortage, our class celebrations have been thwarted again! It appears Lent came early! So we had "Tartines" instead: Baguette and Brioche with a sweet spread like Nutella or jam which are a common afternoon snack for Children in France. We learned about the traditions of Mardi Gras and had fun being bossed around by our nominated King of Mardi Gras, appointed to give silly commands to his 'loyal' subjects.