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Kern Studios, the world leader in float creation, has been a part of Mardi Gras history since 1932. Now the family-owned and operated business designs and builds floats for festivals and celebrations all over the world. The Birth of Mardi Gras Floats: A 19th Century Phenomenon. To understand the origins of Mardi Gras floats, we need to rewind to the 19th century. The first recorded Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans was in 1837, but it was more of a rowdy procession than the organized spectacle we know today. Several of the Mardi Gras symbols tie directly to the religious meaning of Mardi Gras, so to understand the symbols, we need to understand the religious context of Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras celebrates the conclusion of the Carnival season, which begins on January 6th and ends with Mardi Gras. January 6th is known as Epiphany. Mardi Gras Decorators of Slidell owns 36 floats and has a virtual monopoly on St. Tammany parades, handling Eve in Mandeville, Olympia in Covington, and Dionysus, Poseidon, Slidellians and Titans 🪡 Process of Float Creation. Creating Mardi Gras floats is a time-consuming, intricate, but highly creative process spanning several months. It involves a team of artists, designers, and builders who work together to bring the parade’s theme to life. Designing and Sketching. The first step in creating a Mardi Gras float is designing and Mardi Gras is one of the most iconic celebrations in the world, and at the heart of the spectacle are the dazzling, larger-than-life floats that roll through the streets of New Orleans every year. These colorful creations, covered in intricate designs, glittering lights, and costumed riders tossing beads and trinkets, are a cornerstone of the Each Krewe spends a whole year planning their mardi gras floats and parade themes. They work hard to make sure everything is perfect. “A Krewe is more than an organization – it’s a family of celebration and tradition” – New Orleans Carnival Expert. Exploring mardi gras krewe traditions shows a world of social networking and pride 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 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 Meet the family behind the famous Mardi Gras floats. 04:56. TODAY anchors take a tasty whirlwind trip around New Orleans. 08:11. 3rd Hour of TODAY kicks off Mardi Gras in New Orleans. 04:22. What is the meaning of Mardi Gras masks today? Jonathan Bertucceli is a third-generation float maker and the owner of Studio 3, a design studio that makes Mardi Gras floats. In “mainstream” Mardi Gras parades, by contrast, the term implies an honorary role. In the case of the Krewe of Endymion and the Krewe of Orpheus, for instance, the grand marshal is always a celebrity who rides atop one of the lead floats. Humbah. A Mardi Gras Indian command meaning “bow down.” Mardi Gras Krewes are social organizations or groups that put on parades, balls, and other events during the Carnival season leading up to Mardi Gras. Krewes are a significant part of Mardi Gras celebrations, organizing and participating in various festivities, including elaborate parades featuring floats, costumes, and throws (items tossed to Mardi Gras Floats Museum. The Mardi Gras Float Museum, located in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a museum dedicated to the history and art of Mardi Gras floats. The museum houses a collection of over 200 floats, many of which are on display to the public. The first official Mardi Gras flambeaux debuted with the Mistick Krewe of Comus on Fat Tuesday in 1857. In the beginning, the flambeaux were needed for revelers to see the Carnival parades at night. Originally, the flambeaux carried wooden rudimentary torches, which were staves wrapped with lit pine-tar rags. 1. Mobile Is The Birthplace Of Mardi Gras. First things first: The beloved tradition was actually born in Mobile, Alabama, though many associate it with New Orleans. Mobile first celebrated Mardi Gras in 1703, with the party really heating up in 1831. Mardi Gras is still a huge event in Mobile, with dozens of balls and parades every year. Mardi Gras, with its vibrant hues, jazzy rhythms, and rich history, is a cultural spectacle that invites both merriment and learning. Originally tied to Lent’s approach, this event is steeped in deep traditions and holds symbolic significance that extends far beyond parades and festivities. Through Mardi Gras activities, students can explore history, art, science, and Well, they are exactly what they sound like - items that krewe members on floats throw to parade-goers as the floats pass by! Throws often include doubloons, beads, cups, homemade trinkets, toys and more! Mardi Gras Doubloon Learn more about this iconic parade throw. What makes New Orleans Mardi Gras parades unique from— and much more fun than—parades across the country is simple: active crowd participation. These float riders don’t just stand and wave (or try to lip-sync songs), they throw stuff to you! Purple represents justice, green represents faith, and gold represents power. By explaining these symbols to children, we can provide them with a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical significance of Mardi Gras. Meaning of Mardi Gras: a festive celebration before the period of Lent. Symbolism of Mardi Gras: Purple represents justice
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Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
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