In my opinion,we chinses needn't to through the 40-day "lent".The Chinese New Year is just a opportunity for everyone to go home and to show filial obedience to their parents.In our china we have an old proverb,which says"Filial piety tops all virtues".So that's why all chinese to place importance on The Chinese New Year.
As for Fat Tuesday,I think it's obtain some religion factor,Chinese New Year haven't it.