BERKS COUNTY, Pa. – In our region, Fat Tuesday is better known as “Fastnacht Day,” and of course, on this day, people also celebrate Mardi Gras. Both celebrations brought people out to enjoy some traditions from Berks and beyond.
Over at Sweet Ride in West Reading, Fat Tuesday cravings merged with Pennsylvania Dutch traditions.
“My wife texted me this morning said, ‘Hey, don’t forget the fastnachts.’ And I said, ‘Well, I saw something with fastnachts on ice cream, so I think we’re going to get that one,’” said Juan Pedroza of Reading.
At Sweet Ride, you can mix your favorite homemade ice cream flavor with the powdery pillows that this region of Pennsylvania is famous for.
But if you love fastnachts all by themselves, there was no shortage of sales, like over at the Boyertown at the Museum of Historic Vehicles.
“It’s very busy today. Our parking lot is full,” said Kendra Cook with the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles.
It’s a day to indulge before Ash Wednesday begins the Lenten season.
“People want their fastnachts before they have to abstain from sweet treats tomorrow,” said Cook.
The celebration wouldn’t be complete without some music, and there was plenty of that at Mike’s Tavern in Reading.
“It’s the Hot Club of Reading. It’s one of our favorite local bands here. Some phenomenal jazz musicians who love playing New Orleans music,” said John Owens of Mike’s Tavern.
Inside, it was a Mardi Gras party.
“A lot of us love New Orleans,” Owens said. “It’s a really special place in a lot of people’s hearts.”
People brought the New Orleans-style party — filled with traditions and guilty pleasures — to Reading.
“Our friends made some jambalaya. My boss, Pete, made some muffaletta, and we got some king cake from Jambalaya J’s at the Fairgrounds Farmers Market,” Owens said.
The crowd was eager to enjoy it all before Wednesday came.
“Fat Tuesday is right before Lent starts, so everybody just wants to sort of get it in with, you know, eating really well, drinking really, really well, hanging out and having a good time before a little bit of discipline with Lent,” Owens said.