Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday, referring to the practice of the last night of eating richer, filling foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season, which begins on Ash Wednesday. Try these festive Mardi Gras appetizers before the fasting begins! Carnivals and parades abound during Mardi Gras season, from Epiphany until Fat Tuesday. Seas of purple, gold, and green (symbolizing justice, power, and faith) can be seen everywhere. Mardi Gras Parade Krewes select their kings of Mardi Gras and put on elaborate float parades in their communities. On average, over one million tourists enter the city in the final days before Mardi Gras, more than three times the city’s 2024 population of 357,767. The increase in people has an undeniable No collection of Mardi Gras recipes would be complete without sweets, like our Praline-Cream Cheese King Cake or King Cake Beignets. Take a look through our recipes for best Fat Tuesday recipes and start planning your menu—there'll be something for everyone at this Mardi Gras feast. When Mardi Gras rolls in, the streets of New Orleans come alive with jazz, parades, and pure energy. And what’s a celebration without incredible food? From bold Creole flavors to hearty Cajun classics, these 32 New Orleans-inspired recipes bring the taste of the Big Easy straight to your kitchen. If you're looking to get creative with your Mardi Gras foods, try Ree Drummond's twist on Cajun pasta or whip up some Mardi Gras desserts like the spritz cookies that look like mini king cakes. And while Mardi Gras falls on March 4 in 2025, you can also enjoy these delicious New Orleans-inspired dishes for your family dinners all year long. Want even more Mardi Gras inspiration? Check out our best Mardi Gras appetizers, desserts, and cocktails too. 1 Cajun Crab Cake Sliders. PHOTO: RYAN LIEBE; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON. 19. Mardi Gras Charades: Put a Mardi Gras twist on the classic game of charades. Act out your favorite Mardi Gras memories or iconic New Orleans landmarks. 20. Neighborhood Balcony/Porch Bash: If you’re feeling adventurous, organize a balcony or porch bash with your neighbors. Throw beads, share laughs, and celebrate Mardi Gras as a community. Sweeten up your Mardi Gras festivities with NOLA favorites from king cake and beignets to bread pudding and bananas foster. Jodie Kautzmann is an editor, baker, and confectioner with more than 15 Fashion has played a role in the design of Carnival costumes since the early years of Mardi Gras. Costumers take inspiration from around the world, from history, from society, and from nature to create one-of-a-kind designs that honor the season’s spirit of extravagance and role-play. What do you wear to a Mardi Gras party? Mardi Gras is a time to let loose and have some fun. The dress code for Mardi Gras parties can range from casual to dressy depending on the event you are attending. For casual Mardi Gras events, think bright colors, masks, and fun outfits like jumpsuits or rompers. 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 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. For the traditionalists, a Mardi Gras-inspired t-shirt with comfy shorts is always a hit. This ensemble is the embodiment of easy-going fun! 51. Mardi Gras leggings & cap "This year’s 30th anniversary parade celebrates the tradition of a New Orleans Mardi Gras, taking inspiration from some of the largest and oldest krewes in NOLA," said Lora Sauls, Universal's So whether you’re a nail art enthusiast or someone looking for a playful way to join in on the festivities, explore this article for inspiration on how to transform your nails into mini works of art that capture the essence of Mardi Gras. 50 Mardi Gras Nail Designs . Mardi Gras is the perfect time to let your nails reflect the vibrant and New Orleans, LA; Photo: Wikipedia/Library of Congress. The most popular Mardi Gras celebration in the U.S. for a reason, New Orleans first hosted the event in 1837 and now hosts approximately 1.5 million visitors annually. 13. Animal-Inspired Mardi Gras Costume. A woman dressed in a Mardi Gras costume inspired by a peacock, featuring a large, vibrant feather tail in shades of purple, green, and blue. Her mask has peacock feather details, and she poses in front of a beautifully decorated float covered in floral and nature motifs. 14. Renaissance Mardi Gras Attire Masquerade Outfit Inspiration “Mardi Gras is the perfect occasion to unleash your inner mystery and express yourself through a mesmerizing masquerade outfit. Let your imagination guide you as you create a look that will captivate both the crowd and your own sense of adventure.” – Mia Reynolds, Fashion Stylist Revellers catch beads from a float in the 2023 Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club parade during a [+] Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans, Louisiana, February 21, 2023. - Shrove Tuesday 2023
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