Mardi Gras

I don't think that I have ever really understood the concept of Mardi Gras. It never made much sense to me to cram in all that excess, drunkeness, and debauchery just in time for a period of reflection, discipline, and penance. Most people probably wouldn't act that way the rest of the year, so they do it just because it is a defined holy season coming up? Is it a chance for people to do some things for which they need to do penance?

Now where did I put those beads? It is almost time to go eat some king cake.