Mardi Gras, French for Fat Tuesday, is the day before Ash Wednesday and it’s traditionally a time to celebrate and eat well before the season of Lent. Although celebrated throughout the world, most people in the United States associate the event with the City of New Orleans. The residents of Schervier Pavilion, a skilled nursing facility on the Warwick Campus of the Bon Secours Charity Health System, began the celebration early with a Mardi Gras party on Sun., Feb. 26, followed by a traditional King Cake party on Tues., Feb. 28.

      On Sunday, in addition to special Mardi Gras refreshments and treats, the residents, some wearing colorful purple, green and gold hats and beads, were treated to an entertaining video about New Orleans and the city’s celebration of Mardi Gras.

      Members of the St. Ignatius Orthodox Church Youth Group, from Florida, NY, led by Father George Kevorkian, were also on hand to assist with seating and serving refreshments. They spent time visiting with the residents, who enjoyed exchanging information about their families and special interests.

      On Tuesday, the highlight of the afternoon was the cutting and serving of the King Cake, which is made of a cinnamon-filled dough in the shape of a hollow circle. The cake has a small plastic baby inserted and, according to custom, the person who gets the piece of cake with the baby has to throw the next party.

Members of the St. Ignatius Orthodox Church Youth Group, from Florida, NY, led by Father George Kevorkian (second from right), were on hand to assist during the Mardi Gras celebration at Schervier Pavilion. (Photo provided)

Mollie & John Sabini were among those who celebrated Mardi Gras at Schervier Pavilion. (Photo provided)

Lillian Booker, a resident at Schervier Pavilion, wears colorful beads to celebrate Mardi Gras. (Photo provided)

Destiney Sanchez (center) was among the members of the St. Ignatius Orthodox Church Youth Group who spent time visiting with Schervier Pavilion residents. (Photo provided)

Lou Matthews (second from right), the parent of a member of the St. Ignatius Orthodox Church Youth Group, spent time visiting with the residents of Schervier Pavilion during their Mardi Gras celebration. (Photo provided)