St. Mary’s Catholic School celebrates Mardi Gras ahead of Lent season

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY)– Today is “Fat Tuesday”, and celebrations are happening across the US, and right here in Southeastern NC. 

A Wilmington school getting into the spirit of Mardi Gras. 

The St. Mary Catholic School held its annual parade this afternoon. 

The middle school band provided the music, and the faculty and staff threw beads for kids to catch.  

The tradition was started by former Campus Director, Clifton Lively, who is a New Orleans native.  

When Lively passed away seven years ago, the school wanted to keep the Mardi Gras celebration going in his honor. 

“It signifies the end of one season and the beginning of another season, and our faith is the holy season of Lent,” said Joseph Poletti, St Mary’s Catholic School Principal. “Tomorrow, we begin with Ash Wednesday, but today we celebrate. Mardi Gras. That includes the cake, and look! I got the baby! I’m going to have good luck!” 

Following the parade, students, parents, faculty, and staff took part in a Mardi Gras tradition, the eating of king cake, with a baby hidden somewhere inside.  

The baby symbolizes luck and prosperity, and the finder becomes the “king” or “queen” of the evening.