Discover the rich history of Mardi Gras, tracing its origins from medieval Europe through France and into the American colonies. Learn how French-Canadian ex Discover the fascinating history of Mardi Gras in America, from its humble beginnings in 1699 to the vibrant celebrations we know today. Learn about how this Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday," and many scholars believe that Mardi Gras has its roots in the ancient pagan ritual of Saturnalia, which celebrated t Mardi Gras is a Christian holiday and popular cultural phenomenon that dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility rites. Also known as Carnival or Carnaval, it’s celebrated in Mardi Gras Find out more about the history of Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, and how the holiday came to be synonymous with New Orleans. Citation Information Watch the Video Watch LPB's special feature on the history and future of Mardi Gras throws, produced in collaboration with staff from the Historic New Orleans Reporting for TODAY, NBC’s Kaylee Hartung shares a behind-the-scenes look at the iconic floats in Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans and the family behind its historic legacy. (Sponsored by New New Orleans is known for its Mardi Gras celebrations, but its history is much more mysterious than you might think. A cable provider TV Package* is required to watch video. *Unavailable You can also watch video footage from years past, including celebrity interviews and the Zulu parade, from the Mardi Gras Inside and Out Video Series. For more videos, visit our YouTube Channel . 2021 Mardi Gras (during pandemic) In Mardi Gras' early days in Louisiana, the differences in the city and rural towns weren't so stark. Between 1700 and 1800s, most celebrations in New Orleans were just rowdy parties, so much so Discover the mesmerizing history of Mardi Gras as we dive deep into the vibrant tapestry of this captivating celebration! Join us on a journey back in time a A Mardi Gras reveler dangles a pair of beads off of a balcony on Bourbon Street in New Orleans on Mardi Gras Day, Feb 13, 2013. Fat Tuesday, the traditional celebration on the day before Ash Mardi Gras Park's concert list along with photos, videos, and setlists of their past concerts & performances. 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. The History of New Orleans Mardi Gras . Although the date of the first organized celebration of Mardi Gras in New Orleans is debatable, the 1730 account of one Marc-Antoine Caillot (a young clerk sent to Louisiana by the French Company of the Indies) mentions a celebration with music and dance, mask-wearing and costumes—including cross-dressing. You can also watch video footage from years past, including celebrity interviews and the Zulu parade, from the Mardi Gras Inside and Out Video Series. For more videos, visit our YouTube Channel. Mardi Gras Indians New Orleans Louisiana; Mardi Gras Indians New Orleans Louisiana; Mardi Gras Indians New Orleans Louisiana; Mardi Gras Indians New The Krewe of Iris is the oldest all-female krewe and, with 3,660 members, is the largest krewe in Mardi Gras history. Their zoo—influenced theme for 2025 is "Iris, They All Asked for You.” Their zoo—influenced theme for 2025 is "Iris, They All Asked for You.” In 1703, the tiny settlement of Fort Louis de la Mobile celebrated America's very first Mardi Gras. In 1704, Mobile established a secret society (Masque de la Mobile), similar to those that form our current Mardi Gras krewes. It lasted until 1709. In 1710, the "Boeuf Gras Society" was formed and paraded from 1711 through 1861. 🌍🎉 Welcome to Festival Explorer! Ready for the ultimate festival? Join millions of visitors in the heart of New Orleans for Mardi Gras—America’s most colo Mardi Gras masks are more than just festive accessories—they carry a rich history and cultural significance. Every detail, Mardi Gras color and design tells a story, and the artists who craft
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