Mardi Gras beads meaning. One of the most common parade throws are Mardi Gras beads. A krewe called the Rex Organization introduced these beaded necklaces in 1921. When they were first introduced, the beads were made of glass and hand knotted on necklaces. Though they began as glass, most of the Mardi Gras beads you see thrown today are made of While seemingly simple, beads capture the collective effervescence that makes Mardi Gras magical. Their significance has evolved over generations and will continue being passed down for years to come. Conclusion. Mardi Gras beads are more than just plastic trinkets. Their colors hold symbolic meaning tied to the history and traditions of Carnival. The Mardi Gras bead industry faces several challenges, including the environmental impact of plastic beads and the increasing competition from other forms of entertainment. The industry must adapt to changing times and find new ways to innovate and improve, while also addressing the concerns of the local community. Float riders toss beads, cups and doubloons to fans and revelers in the 2013 Krewe of Bacchus Mardi Gras Parade on Feb. 10, 2013, in New Orleans Skip Bolen—Getty Images Beads and Throws Mardi Gras beads do have meanings. They symbolize prosperity, faith, and power. During parades, beads are thrown to spread joy and unity. The tradition of collecting beads adds to the festive atmosphere. Beads come in various colors, each representing virtues like justice, faith, and strength. Participants wear beads to embody the spirit of The beads and other throws are not just random trinkets, but they actually hold a more profound meaning related to the festive spirit of Mardi Gras. Moreover, the tradition of throwing and catching beads is also about having fun, connecting with others, and collecting as many tokens of the festivities as possible to remember the experience. The Significance of Beads at Mardi Gras. Beads play a vital role in Mardi Gras celebrations, symbolizing various aspects of the festival’s rich heritage. The tradition of throwing beads enhances the festive atmosphere and connects deeply with cultural values. Historical Background. Beads have their origins in the early 1880s. Mardi Gras beads are one of the most recognized and common parade throws, dating back to 1921 when the New Orleans Krewe of Rex Organization introduced them. Initially crafted from glass and hand-knotted, today’s beads are made mostly of plastic, making them more accessible to parade watchers. The throwing of trinkets to the crowds was started in the early 1870s by the Twelfth Night Revelers, and is a time-honored expectation for young and old alike. Read more. On average, over one million tourists enter the city in the final days before Mardi Gras, more than three times the city’s 2024 population of 357,767. The increase in people has an undeniable In fact, Mardi Gras, aka Fat Tuesday, has a long history that predates the colonization of the U.S., and actually started in medieval Europe.In New Orleans, the celebration of Mardi Gras started Mardi Gras is bursting with vibrant traditions, and few are as iconic as attending parades, indulging in delicious and colorful king cakes and donning elaborate Mardi Gras masks. But have you ever Mardi Gras is an annual pre-Lent celebration and New Orleans tradition. The idea was to toss the color to the person who exhibited the color’s meaning. Beads are a good time and can really Beads Beyond Mardi Gras: Year-Round Meaning. Although Mardi Gras is the most prominent time to flaunt bead necklaces, their significance extends beyond the festive season. In New Orleans, bead necklaces are also associated with other events and occasions such as Saints football games, music festivals, and various parades throughout the year. Mardi Gras is full of traditions. Read about these carnival tradition and the history behind them. Modern Mardi Gras beads often feature flashing LED lights, fiber-optic elements, and a wider range of vibrant colors. The traditional Mardi Gras color palette of green, gold, and purple is still often seen on strands of beads, but usually alongside other eye-catching hues. What’s New in Mardi Gras Throws? Shop lustrous faux pearl beads in a variety of sizes, lengths, colors and themes from Beads By The Dozen, Trusted Supplier to the Krewes for 30+ Years! Item: 0 0.00 Register Sadly, many bystanders caught in this crowd will never return to Mardi Gras, because they don't realize they did not experience the "real" Mardi Gras. The flashing for beads and related behavior does not occur in other areas of the city. I’m from New Orleans, and I grew up seeing Mardi Gras and participating in Mardi Gras parades in marching bands. And we have several different events that go on with Carnival. We have large krewes, which are parading krewes—and they have the floats, and they throw the trinkets, the beads, the toys from the different floats. Mardi Gras is a celebration rich in cultural tradition, where Black people are able to let loose and let the beads flow! This spectacular event not only serves as a refreshing reprieve bursting with energy and high spirits, it also provides space for reflection, allowing Black and brown people to explore their lineage and past.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |