By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – With the late carnival season finally coming to a close last week, the focus now shifts toward the solemn Lenten season, where penitence and fasting in preparation for Easter replaces the debauchery and indulgence of Mardi Gras.

As the River Parishes are a heavily Catholic area, and Catholics often give up something for the 40 days of Lent, last week L’Observateur asked its readers, “What, if anything, do you plan to give up for Lent?”

As we found last year, the tradition of sacrifice this time of year seems to be falling by the wayside in the River Region, as nearly half of those who participated in the online poll said they would not be giving anything up for Lent. In fact, at 48 percent, the same percentage of voters as last year said they would not be giving anything.

Of those who said they are sticking with tradition and making the sacrifice, most who voted said they would be giving up alcohol for the 40-day period. Last year’s top vote getter, sweets and junk food, came in second, followed by smoking and swearing bringing up the rear.

A full breakdown of responses follows:

• 48 percent of respondents said, “I’m not giving up anything.”

• 19 percent of respondents said, “alcohol.”

• 13 percent of respondents said, “sweets and junk food.”

• 7 percent of respondents said, “smoking.”

• 6 percent of respondents said, “swearing.”

• 7 percent of respondents said, “other.”