If you are new to Mardi Gras, you'll need to know the lingo. Here is a list of common Carnival terms. Glossary of Mardi Gras Terms. Ball: a Mardi Gras ball is a special event parades host prior to rolling. They are similar to galas and often feature presentations of the royal court, dancing and costumes. Bacchus: a parade that rolls the Sunday Lundi Gras. French for Fat Monday, Lundi Gras is the day before Mardi Gras. It was celebrated from 1874 to 1917 with Rex’s arrival by steamboat. In 1987, the custom was revived and now Lundi Gras includes parades, concerts and Carnival activities staged by both Rex and Zulu. Rex. One of the oldest krewes still parading. Rex rolls on Fat Tuesday. Mardi Gras Lesson Plan and discussion ideas: Mardi Gras came to America in 1699 with the arrival of a French explorer, Iberville. The celebration occurs just before Lent. New Orleans is renowned for its Mardi Gras celebrations. Mardi Gras word list Mardi Gras. Traced back to Medieval Europe and found its way to New Orleans by a French-Canadian Explorer. Also is the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday and signifies the end of the Carnival Season. Mardi Gras is where there are Parades with dazzling floats and masked balls throughout the entire Carnival Season. Mardi Gras Indians Mardi Gras. Let’s start at the beginning with the cultural phenomenon that dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility rites. This Christian holiday is celebrated all over the world and is sometimes referred to as “Carnival” or “Carnaval.” “Mardi” is the French word for Tuesday, and “gras” translates to fat. Here are the Top 10 Mardi Gras terms used in Louisiana and what they mean. Ball: A Mardi Gras ball or bal is a special event that Krewes host before their parades roll. They are usually opulent, formal affairs with costumes and dancing and often feature a tableau, which is the presentation of the royal court. A Mardi Gras, as a participant in a courir is known, may beg for a chicken or demand a san sous—a small coin for the Mardi Gras. In addition to a “capuchon”—a tall cone-shaped hat that, in medieval times, was a symbol of mockery of royalty—the revelers typically wear masks made out of a type of wire screen used to crush pecans and Mardi Gras Sayings About Food . BHOFACK2 // Getty Images. Let the good times boil! Let them eat cake. (King cake that is!) It’s beignet too long! The countdown to gumbo starts now. Swirling Mardi Gras Magic. T. Tantalizing Street Food. Theatrical Parade Grandeur. Traditional Brass Bands. Twirling Umbrella Dances. U. Uplifting Parade Energy. V. Mardi Gras Crafts Share this page: This word list captures the spirit, the festivities, and even the ornamental trinkets associated with Mardi Gras celebrations. 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. From high-energy parades to colorful beads and masks, there are dozens of traditions involved in Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday. The holiday which is less than a week away, is just ahead of 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. The Mardi Gras Punch is a bold and flavorful party drink, perfect for celebrating Mardi Gras with a crowd. Inspired by the classic Hurricane, this punch blends light and dark rum with vibrant citrus flavors and passion fruit juice, creating a rich, tropical base with just the right amount of tartness and sweetness. When is Mardi Gras 2025? This year, Mardi Gras, which translates from French to "Fat Tuesday," is on March 4. Ash Wednesday is on March 5, the day marking the start of the 40-day Lenten season Rayne Mardi Gras Parade will roll on February 15 at 2 pm down the Boulevard and a cook off to follow at the Rayne Civic Center; MARCH 2, 2025. Courir de Mardi Gras and parade in Church Point 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 This contemporary American tavern is ringing in Mardi Gras with the return of its annual Bayou ‘n Bourbon menu from executive chef, CEO and co-founder John C. Metz. Available through Thursday, March 11, menu highlights include roasted chicken and shrimp gumbo, Bayou flatbread, shrimp and crawfish po’boys, Louisiana-inspired crab cakes Whether you’re new to the celebration or a seasoned pro, Mardi Gras is all about bold flavors, lively traditions, and, of course, delicious food. Classic dishes like spicy jambalaya, hearty gumbo, and crispy Cajun treats bring the taste of New Orleans straight to your table. And no Mardi Gras feast is complete without a sweet, colorful king cake! Hardy is the founder of the award-winning Mardi Gras Guide magazine, which has sold nearly 2 million copies to subscribers in all 50 states and 27 foreign countries, since 1977.
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