Have you ever been to New Orleans during Mardi Gras?

People dress in colorful, outrageous costumes, parading down the main street, or riding on exotically decorated floats while tossing beaded necklaces into the crowds. Everyone dances, sings, eats, and drinks during this festive time with reckless abandon. Then….LENT begins.


Armenians have a celebration before Lent, too. It’s not quite the spectacle of Mardi Gras, but it serves a similar purpose.


In the Armenian Church, Lent begins on the Monday before the Catholic Church’s Ash Wednesday. On the Sunday before Lent, Armenians celebrate Poon Paregentan, or ” day of good living,” a time to feast before the fasting of Lent begins. This day is considered the first step of the Lenten journey.


This year, Poon Paregentan falls on Valentine’s Day. I can’t think of a better time to combine feasting with spending time with the love of my life!

How will you celebrate?