On Tuesday February 21st, 2012, the Bayonne High School World Language Department held its annual Mardi Gras mask contest. The term ‘Mardi Gras’, refers to events of the Carnival celebrations, beginning on or after Epiphany and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday. ‘Mardi Gras’ is French for Fat Tuesday, referring to the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the “Lenten” season, which begins on Ash Wednesday. In English the day is sometimes referred to as “Shrove Tuesday”, from the word shrive, meaning “confess”. Related popular practices include the wearing of masks and costumes, the overturning of social conventions, dancing, sports competitions , parades, etc. Mardi Gras is usually associated with celebrations in Brazil, Italy and New Orleans, were Mardi Gras celebrations are legendary. The winners of the Mardi Gras Mask competition are: Jeremy Figerio-most colorful-student of Joyce Dandrea, Mailie Elganbaihy-most creative-student of Nydia Blaney Kayla Thompson-most original-student of Lisa Martinez Corridian Greene-most beautiful-student of Lisa Martinez The students received gift cards and bracelets as prizes.