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Culture Trip takes a look at the traditions and quirks of this famous festival to give you a better understanding of just how integral it is to Louisiana culture. Although the city’s celebrations are now most associated with debauchery and days-long drinking sessions, Mardi Gras in New Orleans is one of the most storied and colourful The Mardi Gras traditions show off New Orleans’ rich culture. Get ready to be wowed by the creativity and passion that make this celebration so special! The Rich History Behind Mardi Gras Celebrations. The history of Mardi Gras is a captivating story that spans centuries and continents. It started as a simple feast before Lent in medieval Europe. Louisiana is the only state in which Mardi Gras is a legal holiday. Each region has its own events and traditions. Mardi Gras Around the World . Across the globe, pre-Lenten festivals continue The first North American Mardi Gras was celebrated in Alabama—not Louisiana. Getty French-Canadian explorer Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville arrived in what is now modern day Mobile, Alabama on Fat Mardi Gras is so much more special when you understand what you’re celebrating and what each tradition means to the generations of parade-goers who have stood on parade routes before you. There is a story and a purpose behind everything you’ll experience during Carnival Time – from the king cake you’ll eat to the flambeaux who light the Mardi Gras is a Legal Holiday in Louisiana – Louisiana is the only U.S. state that officially recognizes Mardi Gras as a public holiday. Flambeaux: Illuminating Tradition Originating in the 19th century, the flambeaux (French for “flame torch”) tradition began as a means to light the nighttime Mardi Gras parades before electric The History & Traditions of Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras has been celebrated in Louisiana since the 18th century, brought by French settlers. Today’s traditions stem from European carnival customs mixed with local culture, creating a uniquely New Orleans spectacle. We’ll get into most of these later, but here are the key traditions at a glance: However, the roots of Mardi Gras are deeply connected to the Catholic church and the traditions of those who were raised in that faith throughout North America and the Caribbean. The celebration is easily summed up by Mr. Guillory: “The actual reason behind Mardi Gras, Mardi Gras is a very left-handed Catholic holiday. Mardi Gras is about music, parades, picnics, floats and excitement. It's one big holiday in New Orleans! Revelers know to wear costumes or at least dress in purple, green, and gold, and adorn themselves with long beads caught from the floats of previous parades. Explore the history behind six of the most famous Mardi Gras traditions, New Orleans-style. By: Sarah Pruitt. Updated: February 6, 2024 | Original: March 4, 2014. copy page link Print Page. Mardi Gras Historical Timeline. Mardi Gras in Lafayette has a rich history, evolving from humble beginnings to a vibrant and expansive celebration. The following timeline highlights key moments in the development of Lafayette’s Mardi Gras festivities, showcasing the growth and lasting traditions that continue to make it a beloved event today. Our 2025 Mardi Gras Guide is your ultimate resource for celebrating this iconic Louisiana tradition. From specialty baking classes to 5K runs, pet parades, captivating museum exhibits, and, of course, those unforgettable Mardi Gras parades, there’s something for every family to enjoy. Two additional dates of historic importance in New Orleans Mardi Gras lore are 1875, the year the State of Louisiana declared Mardi Gras a legal state holiday, and 1889, the year of the first documented reference of women exposing their breasts at the event, reported by a Times-Democrat reporter who observed, “the degree of immodesty Mardi Gras is about music, parades, picnics, floats and excitement. It's one big holiday in New Orleans! Revelers know to wear costumes or at least dress in purple, green, and gold, and adorn themselves with long beads caught from the floats of previous parades. Mardi Gras is not just for humans; New Orleans hosts a "Krewe of Barkus" parade, where dogs don costumes and join the fun. The largest Mardi Gras float ever built was over 330 feet long and carried more than 200 riders. Mardi Gras in Popular Culture. Mardi Gras has made its mark in popular culture, appearing in movies, music, and literature. For a large part of Louisiana, this isn’t the true Mardi Gras. We’re talking about local Cajun Mardi Gras—complete with a chicken chase! Cajun Mardi Gras, or Courir de Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday Run), has been a staple in southern Louisiana for hundreds of years. The tradition dates back to 17th-century Europe; Europeans who settled in the Of the hundreds of Louisiana festivals, none tops Mardi Gras. Spectacular parades, unbelievable costumes, music, dancing, food, drink — take your pick of places to indulge and enjoy. The biggest celebration occurs in New Orleans , but nearly every community in the state has its own version of the annual party. Louisiana was colonized first by the French before it became part of the U.S., and has retained strong French and Cajun culture and traditions, including Mardi Gras. However, for travelers looking to experience the excitement of Mardi Gras beyond the parade routes, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 82 miles northwest of New Orleans, offers a refined yet vibrant twist on Known as the "King of Carnival," Rex is responsible for the official Mardi Gras colors — purple, green and gold — and is one of the most prestigious krewes in New Orleans. The Krewe of Zulu marched in Mardi Gras as early as 1901 and offers one of the most sought-after Mardi Gras throws — the Zulu coconut or the “Golden Nugget.” The
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Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
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