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This break from the strictness of Lent has traditionally been observed in France, Belgium, and various islands of the French West Indies. In Paris, it is customarily celebrated with the Fête des Blanchisseuses, or laundresses, who choose a queen from each of the various metropolitan districts. The district queens and the queen of queens chosen by them ride through the streets on a float, followed by their costumed courtiers and ladies-in-waiting. Then there is a colorful ball for the washerwomen that night. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary