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New Orleans Confirms: Alligator is Lent-Friendly Seafood

2/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A 15-year-old letter from the Archdiocese of New Orleans clarifies that alligator may be eaten during Lent.
The letter, sent by Gregory Aymond, then-Archbishop of New Orleans, states alligator is part of the fish family.
Lent began on Ash Wednesday and involved fasting and abstaining from meat, with seafood allowed on Fridays.
In Louisiana, where alligator dishes are popular, the ruling resonates culturally.

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Story summary

A 15-year-old letter from the Archdiocese of New Orleans clarifies that alligator may be eaten during Lent.
The letter, sent by Gregory Aymond, then-Archbishop of New Orleans, states alligator is part of the fish family.
Lent began on Ash Wednesday and involved fasting and abstaining from meat, with seafood allowed on Fridays.
In Louisiana, where alligator dishes are popular, the ruling resonates culturally.