Ash Wednesday and National Margarita Day Today?
Ash Wednesday has commenced the season of Lent, but Feb. 22 also marks National Margarita Day this year.
National Margarita Day celebrates the concoction of tequila, cointreau or triple Sec, and lime juice. The beverage, which can be served frozen or on ice, has been around since the 1940s.
The coincidence of the margarita holiday landing on the same day as the start of the Lenten season is ironic considering Christians everywhere are abstaining from decadent foods and drinks as a form of fasting.
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For those that have not given up alcohol as part of their repentance in preparation for Easter, the margarita is a popular choice.
There are many different stories surrounding the origin of the drink, with dozens of people claiming that they invented the margarita.
Some people say that a bartender from Mexico City invented the margarita in 1934 and named it after his friend, Marguerite Hemery.
Another popular legend is that Tijuana restaurant owner Carlos "Danny" Herrera developed the drink in 1938 for a customer who was allergic to all liquor except for tequila.
Also, Dallas socialite Margarita Sames purports that she mixed the drink in 1948 for a house full of guests, including Tommy Hilton, who later added the drink to the menu at his hotels.
While the true creator is unknown, the margarita remains one of the most popular drinks of all time. National Margarita Day can also be celebrated with virgin margaritas by subtracting the alcohol, and simply using ice and sour mix.
Meanwhile, the Lenten season will last through Easter which falls on Sunday, April 8. The holiday marks the end of the 40-day period of fasting and praying and includes Good Friday on April 6.
On Twitter, many people have discussed Lent as well and National Margarita Day.
"National Margarita Day should be in June or something… not in February… and not the first day of Lent," posted Lizzie.
Twitter user Marlee joked about Margarita Day and Lent on Wednesday, writing, "Cute how Lent starts on the same day as National Margarita Day. Well played Lent."
Debbie noted, "I've decided to give up peanut butter for Lent this year."
"Sometimes its the hardest 6 weeks of the year!" wrote Twitter user Damian on the 40 days and 40 nights of the Lenten season.
"No beef, pork, fast food, or carbonated beverages for 40 days… #Lent," wrote Sir.
Many Christians celebrate Easter with special church services, hide-and-seeking eggs, and a feast.
