Mardi Gras has its origins in pagan spring festivals that predate Christianity. As Christianity spread, religious leaders incorporated these traditions into a celebration before the Lenten season. The first Mardi Gras celebrations in the United States were in Mobile, Alabama in 1703, while New Orleans became famous for its masked balls under French rule and now hosts one of the most famous celebrations in the world, along with Rio de Janeiro's Carnaval celebrations over 10 days. Mardi Gras traditions can now be found around the world with varying customs but shared ancient roots.