In many parts of the world the period before Lent is a time for partying before a period of fasting and self-reflection.  The Germans celebrate Fasching, Fasnacht or Karneval and the French have Mardi Gras.  The translation of "Fastnacht" is "Eve of the Fast."  The Pennsylvania Dutch and Amish celebrate only a single day--Fastnacht Day.  The main tradition is the eating of fastnachts, which are unleavened, deep-fried doughnuts, usually made with a potatoe batter and is a way of using up the lard and before lent.

I know that this is really a regional thing, even on the state level. Eastern Pennsylvania is full of people of Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch background.