Folks throughout the Cayman Islands are getting ready to celebrate Mardi Gras.
But many of them are doing it on days that have nothing to do with Mardi Gras.
In the English language, Mardi Gras means Fat Tuesday. It refers to only one day; the day before lent begins on Ash Wednesday, which is 1 March this year.
Mardi Gras is also Shrove Tuesday, which is celebrated as a holiday in many places with carnivals, masquerade balls and parades of costumed merrymakers.
It’s the last opportunity for excessive indulgence of food and drink before the solemn 40-day Christian season of fasting called Lent.
Lots of people take Mardi Gras and Lent extremely seriously.
For the uninitiated, Lent is a season of soul-searching and repentance; a season for reflection and taking stock.
It’s a season to prepare for Easter, the official ending of Lent.
In most parts of the world Mardi Gras is a family event but many people the world over take the opportunity of Mardi Gras to overindulge to the highest extent.
And many in the Cayman Islands will do the same as they celebrate with food and drink; mostly drink.
Revellers must remember that members of the Royal Cayman Islands Police have dedicated themselves to making the roadways of the Cayman Islands safer.
They proved their resolve during the Christmas and New Year holidays when there were roadblocks and an active campaign against drinking and driving was launched.
We’re sure they’ll be doing the same thing during Mardi Gras celebration.
So if you’re one of those who will take Mardi Gras as an excuse to overindulge in food and drink, make sure you have a safe mode of transportation back home from the party.
Consumption of alcoholic beverages is one of the main underlying causes of traffic accidents.
Even just a small amount of alcohol can cause a surprising lengthening of reaction time – and sometimes there is only a fraction of a second between a close call and an accident.
The punishment for drinking and driving is severe – temporary loss of driving privileges as well as fines.
Being relegated to riding a bicycle, walking, or hitching rides is not most people’s idea of fun.
Being responsible for a road accident can totally eliminate enjoyment of the festive day.
Better to make arrangements before the party to ensure a safe ride home.
Related Videos
