Learn Mardi Gras facts for kids. Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) is a festival held the day before Ash Wednesday, signifying the end of the Carnival season and the start of Lent.Many cities (especially those with large Catholic populations) like New Orleans are famous for their Mardi Gras. At Mardi Gras in New Orleans, social clubs called krewes organize the festival’s parades and balls. Each organization chooses a king, queen, and court from the families of its members. As Lent approaches, the Mardi Gras season is marked by parades during the day and at night. The famous Rex parade takes place the day before Ash Wednesday. Today, Mardi Gras has transformed into extravagant and delightful parades and parties, and people of all ages can enjoy this wonderful festival, especially parades. New Orleans hosts some of the most iconic festivities, which draw tourists from across the country every year. To learn more about Mardi Gras facts for kids, continue reading the 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 Mardi Gras wasn’t referred to as “Carnival” until 1781. New Orleans floats are traditionally known as tableaux cars. Mardi Gras meaning of beads: Mardi Gras “throws” (like beads) started in 1870. The first beads were necklaces made of glass beads and thrown into the crowd. The official colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green, and gold. Mardi Gras Traditions and Facts for Kids. When it comes to Mardi Gras, there are plenty of fascinating traditions and fun facts that can capture the imagination of children. Exploring these customs and facts can help kids gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the cultural significance of Mardi Gras. The Origins of Mardi Gras Since it was the night before Mardi Gras, he named the landing area "Point du Mardi Gras". In 1703 the first Mardi Gras was celebrated at the small settlement of Fort Louis de la Mobile. In the 1730s Mardi Gras became a popular celebration in New Orleans. Originally it was celebrated with a large dance called a ball. Fun Facts About Mardi Gras. It’s a Legal Holiday in Louisiana: While Mardi Gras is celebrated worldwide, it’s an official state holiday in Louisiana, where schools and businesses often close for the festivities. King Cake Tradition: King Cake, a sweet pastry decorated in Mardi Gras colors, contains a hidden plastic baby. Whoever finds the Learning about Mardi Gras: fun Mardi Gras activities, lesson plans and printable worksheets, Mardi Gras games, teaching resources, engaging activities, and food origin information. Includes free coloring page printable pack to help you celebrate Mardi Gras with kids! Fun for Mardi Gras for Sunday school, student classroom lessons, homeschooling, and at home crafts for kids. Don't miss our free Mardi is the French word for Tuesday, and gras means “fat.” In France, the day before Ash Wednesday came to be known as Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday.” The first American Mardi Gras took place on March 3, 1699, when French explorers Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville and Sieur de Bienville landed near present-day New Orleans, Louisiana. 2025 mardi gras information Lafayette, LA – Lafayette Consolidated Government (LCG) is finalizing preparations for the 2025 Mardi Gras season. To ensure a safe and enjoyable celebration, residents and visitors are urged to follow regulations regarding barricades, street closures, parking, and public safety. A scavenger hunt around the house or yard can be Mardi Gras-themed. Items like beads, coins, and mini-masks can be hidden for kids to find. Creating a Mardi Gras Bingo Game. With Mardi Gras-themed Bingo cards, kids can play a game that adds a bit of competitive fun to the celebration. Teaching Mardi Gras History and Traditions 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 On Mardi Gras in 1827, a group of students donned colorful costumes and danced through the streets of New Orleans, emulating the revelry they’d observed while visiting Paris. Ten years later 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. In this video, children of all ages will learn facts about Mardi Gras!*** Get 30 days of completely free and unlimited Twinkl teaching resources here! ️ ht The seven symbols for Mardi Gras are king cakes, Mardi Gras masks, parades, Mardi Gras throws, the fleur de lis, Mardi Gras beads, and the official colors of Mardi Gras. Head to our Mardi Gras symbols guide for an in depth look at the history and meanings behind the symbols of Mardi Gras . Mardi Gras in New Orleans is quite the spectacle - but there are a lot of hidden secrets and behind-the-scenes magic that bring the celebration to life. Ever wondered what the most coveted throws of Carnival are, or why an array of colorful ladders line St. Charles Avenue? Learn all about Mardi Gras in New Orleans with these 12 fun facts. * Coastal Mississippi makes no guarantees, either expressed or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided in the 2025 Mardi Gras Schedule. Event dates and details are provided by our Tourism Partners and are subject to change or cancellation by the event host/organizer. 3. There's A Reason The Cherished Mardi Gras Confection Is Called "King Cake." King Cake didn't get its name fortuitously. The name "King Cake" was inspired by the Bible story about Three Wise Men, who traveled with gifts for Baby Jesus on the Twelfth Night. Traditionally, the cake is first served on King's Day, January 6th, and continues being served up until the eve of Mardi Gras "to
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