In the United States, Mardi Gras is most commonly associated with the city of New Orleans, Louisiana. Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday”, referring to the practice of the last night of indulgence before the start of the Christian season of Lent.
In New Orleans, the carnival season begins on Twelfth Night, or Epiphany, which is celebrated on January 6. The festival season culminates on Mardi Gras, the day before Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras is a legal holiday in Louisiana. Most of the day is made up of parades. The largest and most famous parade is organized by the Krewe of Rex, which starts at noon and follows a U-shaped route through the French Quarter and down Canal Street.
1. The origins of Mardi Gras
2. The Krewe system
3. The costumes
4. The parades
5. The floats
6. The throws
7. The beads
Contents
1. The origins of Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras is a festive season that occurs before the start of Lent. The name Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday”, referring to the practice of binge eating and indulging in rich foods before the start of the Lenten season of fasting.
The season of Mardi Gras typically begins on Twelfth Night (January 6) and culminates on Fat Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday). Mardi Gras has its roots in ancient pagan celebrations, such as the Roman festival of Saturnalia and the medieval European celebrations of Carnival.
In the early seventeenth century, French explorers brought the traditions of Mardi Gras to the New World, where it was soon embraced by the people of New Orleans. The first recorded Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans took place in 1699, when French explorer Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville and his men landed in the city on Mardi Gras day. They were soon followed by the Spanish, who established their own settlements in the area.
Mardi Gras became an annual tradition in New Orleans from then on. The French settlers were the ones who really established the carnival atmosphere of Mardi Gras. They brought with them the tradition of masked balls, which were a popular form of entertainment in eighteenth-century France. The first recorded masked ball in New Orleans took place in 1743.
The atmosphere of Mardi Gras was further enhanced by the introduction of float parades in the nineteenth century. The first parade was organized by a group of New Orleans businessmen in 1837. They wanted to find a way to celebrate Mardi Gras that was more family-friendly than the rowdy celebrations that often took place in the city’s streets. Today, the carnival atmosphere of Mardi Gras is enjoyed by people of all ages. The celebrations have become an important part of Louisiana’s cultural heritage.
2. The Krewe system
In Louisiana, Mardi Gras is organized into “Krewes”, each with their own unique parade route, float design, and theme. The Krewe system is a way of designating which organizations are responsible for which aspects of the Mardi Gras celebration.
The Krewe of Rex is the oldest and most prestigious Mardi Gras Krewe, founded in 1872. Rex is responsible for selecting the official colors of Mardi Gras (purple, green, and gold) and the official Mardi Gras anthem (“If Ever I Cease to Love”). Rex also//has the honor of// being the only Krewe to parade during the daytime on Mardi Gras day itself.
The Krewe of Zulu is another well-known Krewe, founded in 1909. Zulu is most famous for its “golden cocoa-bean Favors” given out to parade-goers, as well as its traditional African-American float designs and costuming. Krewe du Vieux is unique in that it is the only satirical Mardi Gras Krewe – meaning that its parade floats often make fun of current events.
Krewe du Vieux was founded in 1987 and is known for being one of the rowdier and more irreverent Krewes. Each Krewe has its own traditions, and its own unique way of celebrating Mardi Gras. Louisiana’s Krewe system ensures that there is something for everyone during Mardi Gras season.
3. The costumes
Mardi Gras would not be the same without the costumes. Every year, people spend hours crafting the perfect outfit to wear to the parade. Some people go all out, with lavish costumes that are covered in sequins and feathers.
Others prefer a simpler approach, with a mask and a few accessories. No matter what your style, there is sure to be a costume that will fit your personality. One of the most important things to remember when choosing a Mardi Gras costume is that it should be comfortable.
You will be doing a lot of walking, and you don’t want to be weighed down by a heavy costume. If you are planning on wearing a mask, make sure that it is not too tight and that you can see well out of it. You don’t want to miss any of the action! Another thing to consider is the weather. Mardi Gras is traditionally held in the spring, which can be a very unpredictable time of year. One year it might be warm and sunny, and the next year it might be cold and rainy.
Choose a costume that will be comfortable in both warm and cool weather. Layers are always a good idea. No matter what you end up wearing, the most important thing is to have fun. Mardi Gras is all about enjoying yourself and letting loose. So put on your costume, grab some beads, and get ready to celebrate!
4. The parades
It’s Mardi Gras season in Louisiana, which means it’s time for parades! Mardi Gras parades are some of the most festive and well-attended events of the entire year. Tens of thousands of people line the parade routes, cheering and throwing beads as the floats go by. There are dozens of different Mardi Gras parades in Louisiana, ranging from the very large and well-known Krewe of Endymion parade in New Orleans to smaller, more intimate parades in other parts of the state.
No matter what size or style of parade you’re looking for, you’re sure to find one that you’ll enjoy. Some of the most popular Mardi Gras parades feature spectacular floats, often with themes that are related to current events or pop culture. These floats are elaborately decorated and often feature music and dancers. One of the most popular parade floats in recent years has been the Budweiser Clydesdales, which always gets a huge cheer from the crowd.
- Please Read “The Best of Louisiana: A Travel Guide“.
In addition to the floats, many Mardi Gras parades also feature marching bands and other musical performers. These groups provide a lively soundtrack for the parade, and often add to the festive atmosphere. Of course, no Mardi Gras parade would be complete without throws! Beads, cups, and other trinkets are thrown from floats to the crowds lining the parade route. Catching one of these throws is considered good luck and is a highlight of the parade experience for many. If you’re looking for a truly unique Mardi Gras experience, head to Louisiana for a parade! You’re sure to have a great time.
5. The floats
The floats at Mardi Gras are one of the most iconic aspects of the carnival atmosphere in Louisiana. Each year, different krewes compete to have the most elaborate and intricate floats, which are often themed around pop culture or current events.
The floats are usually decorated with beads, feathers, and sequins, and they often have large, animated figures on them. The floats are usually pulled by trucks or trailers, and they often have music playing from them as they parade through the streets. float parade is a highlight of Mardi Gras in Louisiana, and it is one of the things that makes the carnival atmosphere so unique. The floats are often very elaborate, and they often have themes that are relevant to pop culture or current events.
The float builders put a lot of effort into making sure that their floats are the most impressive, and they often use beads, feathers, and sequins to decorate them. The floats usually have large, animated figures on them, and they are usually Pulled by trucks or trailers. The floats often have music playing from them as they parade through the streets, and this adds to the festive atmosphere.
6. The throws
Mardi Gras throws are one of the most iconic aspects of the Carnival season. They are brightly colored beads, doubloons, trinkets, and toys that are thrown to revelers by parade float riders. Throws have been a part of Mardi Gras celebrations for centuries, and each year, new and creative throws are introduced.
While many of the throws you’ll see at Mardi Gras are mass-produced, there is a long tradition of hand-made throws in New Orleans. Some of the most popular hand-made throws are stuffed animals known as “doubloons”. These doubloons are usually made from scrap fabric and stuffed with rice, beans, or other materials.
Another popular type of hand-made throw is the “mojo hand”. Mojo hands are small cloth bags filled with herbs, roots, and other lucky charms. They are often given to children or people who are considered to be unlucky. Of course, you can’t have a Mardi Gras celebration without beads! Beads are usually made from glass or plastic and come in a wide variety of colors and sizes.
The most popular beads are the large, brightly colored ones known as “Big Easy Beads”. These beads are often given to people who are really getting into the spirit of the celebration. No matter what type of throws you’re looking for, you’re sure to find them at Mardi Gras. So, get out there and catch as many as you can!
7. The beads
It’s Mardi Gras time in Louisiana, and that means it’s time to party! The streets are filled with revelers, and the air is filled with the sound of music and laughter. The beads are flying, and the costumes are outrageous. It’s a time to let loose and have some fun.
For many people, the highlight of Mardi Gras is the parade. floats decorated with beads, sequins, and feathers glide down the street, and the crowds go wild. But for those who want to get a little closer to the action, there’s always the option of riding on a float. These folks are the ones who really get to experience the carnival atmosphere of Mardi Gras.
Of course, no Mardi Gras celebration would be complete without beads. Beads are ubiquitous during Mardi Gras, and they come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. They’re also a big part of the tradition of Mardi Gras, and many people take great pride in collecting as many as they can. So why are beads so important to Mardi Gras?
For many people, it’s simply because they’re a fun and festive way to celebrate. They also add a bit of excitement to the event, as people try to catch as many as they can. And of course, they’re also a great way to show your support for your favorite float or Krewe. So if you’re planning on celebrating Mardi Gras this year, don’t forget to bring your beads!
After spending a few days at Mardi Gras, it’s easy to see why this festival is so popular. The carnival atmosphere is electric, and the party goes on day and night. If you’re looking for a wild and crazy time, Mardi Gras is the place to be.
