Mardi Gras (UK: / ˌ m ɑːr d i ˈ ɡ r ɑː /, US: / ˈ m ɑːr d i ɡ r ɑː /; [1] [2] also known as Shrove Tuesday) is the final day of Carnival (also known as Shrovetide or Fastelavn); it thus falls on the day before the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday. [3] Mardi Gras is a Christian holiday and popular cultural phenomenon that dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility rites. It's most famously celebrated with parades in New Orleans Mardi Gras is a festive day celebrated in France on Shrove Tuesday (the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday), which marks the close of the pre-Lenten season. The French name Mardi Gras means Fat Tuesday, from the custom of using all the fats in the home before Lent. All of that can vary depending on the type of Mardi Gras you want to experience. As a general rule though, expect parades, masked riders, signature throws (from the bedazzled shoes of Muses to the sought-after coconuts at Zulu), live music, and non-stop revelry in many different forms. Mardi Gras historian and WYES-TV Rex ball co-host [42] Errol Laborde presented a theory that the colors were based on heraldry: all three colors correspond to a heraldic tincture, and Rex's goal may have been to create a tricolor to represent their "kingdom". Purple was widely associated with royalty, while white was already heavily used on Add up all those beads, party favors, drink cups, and decorations, and the city estimates it tosses around 2.5 million pounds of Mardi Gras waste each year. In 2022, the city dumped 1,150 tons of On March 2, 1699, French-Canadian explorer Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville arrived at a plot of ground 60 miles directly south of New Orleans, and named it "Pointe du Mardi Gras" when his men realized it was the eve of the festive holiday. Bienville also established "Fort Louis de la Louisiane" (which is now Mobile) in 1702. But Mardi Gras history actually extends all the way back to the days before Christianity in Ancient Rome, and has roots in pagan spring festivals. As with most other holidays with a deep heritage, the traditions and customs of Mardi Gras evolved as it moved through countries, continents, and centuries and became the raucous, joy-filled Because the whole point of Mardi Gras is to enjoy life's excesses before Lent begins, Creole and Cajun dishes such as jambalaya, gumbo, and red beans and rice are a major part of the celebration. And Mardi Gras just wouldn’t be Mardi Gras without king cake, an oval pastry with a sugary icing in Mardi Gras colors of purple, green and gold. Mardi Gras Colors. In 1872, Rex, the king of Carnival, proclaimed the official colors of Mardi Gras to be purple, green and gold. While Arthur Hardy believes they were probably chosen simply because they looked good together, Rex assigned a meaning to the colors in his 1892 parade titled Symbolism of Colors: Purple represents justice, green stands for faith, and gold signifies power. Mardi Gras refers to events of the Carnival celebration leading up to the Christian period called Lent. A direct contrast to Lent's self-reflective, sacrificing feel, Mardi Gras celebrates the joy of life through music, revelry, and most importantly, food. Mardi Gras Free Printables This collection features a wide range of printables, including word searches, crosswords, scattergories, and trivia quizzes to test your knowledge of Mardi Gras. It also includes potluck sign-up sheets for coordinating food contributions from guests, tracing worksheets for younger fans, and charades cards for engaging Click on the Mardi Gras krewes below for further information about the krewe and to see their usual route for each parade. Please note: Events and activities are subject to change without notice. Stay tuned to the site for further info. Mardi Gras Party Planning MADE EASY. Mardi Gras is a fun celebration with parades, costumes, music, and yummy food! It’s the perfect chance to enjoy spicy dishes, sweet treats like King Cake, and have a great time with friends. A Mardi Gras menu made for you means no stress over what to cook—just more time to enjoy the party! Mardi Gras is a celebration that’s open to all—it’s even family-friendly. Here’s what you need to know about Mardi Gras, including where to stay, what to eat and can’t-miss events. What Commander’s Palace in New Orleans has been serving Brandy Milk Punch for decades, with a recipe famously made by the restaurant's late matriarch, Ella Brennan. The creamy, spiced cocktail is the perfect drink to enjoy through your Mardi Gras celebrations. Mardi Gras Outfits & Accessories. Purple green and gold outfits and everything you need for a parade or visit to New Orleans! Women's sequin and fringe Tops, purple green and gold skirts, sequin dresses and sparkly accessories. Mardi Gras overalls, Mardi Gras earrings, Mardi Gras headbands & more! The age-old Mardi Gras saying has never been truer: In New Orleans, half the people watch the parade, and the other half are in the parade. It may be easier than ever to find your place on one The History of Mardi Gras. While the origins of Mardi Gras can be traced all the way back to Medieval Europe, the tradition of Mardi Gras in New Orleans began in the early 1700s when French explorers brought the celebration to Louisiana. Over time, the festivities evolved into Mardi Gras as we know it today. This year’s Mardi Gras for All Y’all is all about the parades. Broadcast on NOLA.com, YouTube and Facebook Live, you’ll see 30 parades starting on Friday, February 2nd through Tuesday, February 13thFAT TUESDAY! Plus each broadcast will feature segments about Louisiana that make our state great.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |