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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 carnivals in the United States – and, indeed, the world. From its distinctive color scheme to the cakes handed out with abandon and the beads you’ll find strewn across Mardi Gras is a tradition that dates back thousands of years to pagan celebrations of spring and fertility, including the raucous Roman festivals of Saturnalia and Lupercalia. New Orleans Mardi Gras traditions. Mardi Gras in New Orleans is more than just a party—it’s an unforgettable experience that draws a staggering 1.4 million visitors each year. 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. Since its first impromptu celebrations in the early 1700's, Mardi Gras was regularly cancelled or banned for its destructive drunken parties—that is until 1837, when a secret society known as On Mardi Gras day, the majority of non-essential businesses are shut down because of the celebration. Experienced revelers know to bring a large bag with them so they can haul away all the beads and trinkets they will catch from the parades! From the past to the present, Mardi Gras is full of traditions. Mardi Gras balls began in the 1700s and still exist today. At the Twelfth Night ball, a king cake was cut, and whoever found the bean (a precursor to today’s baby) inside would host the next ball. This would continue until Mardi Gras evening. Tradition calls on whoever finds the trinket in their slice of cake to host the next King cake gathering. While one of the most famous Mardi Gras celebrations is in New Orleans, Louisiana, the Mardi Gras, meaning “Fat Tuesday” in French, is one of the most vibrant celebrations in France. Marking the culmination of the Carnival season, it’s a time for indulgence, creativity, and community spirit. Let’s dive into its origins, folklore, modern festivities, and culinary delights. The origins of Mardi Gras Like many cultural events and celebrations, symbolism is a common theme and Mardi Gras is no exception. These vivid colors represent justice (purple), power (gold), and faith (green). 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. New Orleans is the most famous city for Mardi Gras celebrations in the United States, but Mobile, Alabama, claims to have the oldest annual Carnival celebration in the country, dating back to 1703. Mardi Gras Traditions. Mardi Gras is known for its unique and lively traditions. The first bona fide New Orleans Mardi Gras occurred in 1833 when a rich plantation owner named Bernard Xavier de Marigny de Mandeville took the initiative to raise money to fund an official, city-wide Mardi Gras celebration. Whether you celebrate Mardi Gras for its connection to Christian traditions, its cultural significance, or simply for the fun and revelry, it remains an enduring and beloved festival. In places like New Orleans, Mardi Gras has become a symbol of the city’s identity, representing unity , diversity , and the joy of living life to the fullest . Mardi Gras is a spectacle of vibrant parades, elaborate costumes, and unbridled celebration. However, beneath the public revelry lies a world of hidden traditions, deeply rooted superstitions, and exclusive gatherings known only to a select few. The first organized parade was held in 1857, thanks to a group called the Mistick Krewe of Comus. They introduced floats, masked balls, and secret krewes (organizations that plan Mardi Gras events), shaping the festival into what we know today. Mardi Gras Traditions and Symbols. Mardi Gras is packed with traditions, each with its own special Every year, as winter fades and spring approaches, the streets of New Orleans explode with color, music, and celebration. Mardi Gras, the grandest festival in Louisiana, is famous for its parades, beads, masked revelers, and deep cultural traditions. Mardi Gras and Carnival refer to eating more decadent, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of Lent. In France, this festive season comes with sumptuous public celebrations or parades (‘les carnavals‘) in many French towns and schools. The all-male krewe has been staging Mardi Gras events in New Orleans since 1872 and are the ones who started the tradition of using the holiday’s famous colors: yellow, purple, and green. Mardi Gras History and Traditions Learn about the famed celebration's cultural roots and traditions. 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.
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Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
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