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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 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 But, Mardi Gras and the accompanying masked balls associated with the holiday were outlawed when the Spanish governor took control of the area in 1766 as well as when it came under U.S. rule in 1803. Mardi Gras masks in particular originated in ritual celebrations. New Orleans has been celebrating Mardi Gras for hundreds of years, and is the largest masked party in North America. In the beginning, masks worn during Mardi Gras allowed wearers to escape society and class constraints. The organizers of masquerade balls do everything in their power to enforce a strict code of conduct and behavior, which is for all participants to remain unidentifiable as much as possible. Beginning around the 18th century, African Americans were prevented from attending the Mardi Gras in New Orleans. On March 2, 1699, French-Canadian explorer Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville arrived at a plot of ground 60 miles directly south of New Orleans, and named it "Pointe du Mardi Gras" when his men realized it was the eve of the festive holiday. Bienville also established "Fort Louis de la Louisiane" (which is now Mobile) in 1702. Early French settlers brought the tradition of Mardi Gras to the U.S. Gulf Coast at the end of the 17th century. In fact, Mobile, Alabama celebrated its first carnival in 1703. However, Spanish There has always been an aura of festive mystery surrounding Mardi Gras. In the early days of Mardi Gras, masks allowed revelers to break out of their class and society restrictions. Today, masks are used more for fun than anything else. Mardi Gras is known as the largest masquerade in North America. Colors Photo by Lívia Chauar on Unsplash There is no pinpointing the origins of the celebration known today as Carnival or Mardi Gras. Indeed, because its most elemental characteristics — drinking and feasting, dancing and music, masks and costumes — extend back into the mists of time, there’s no tidy way to connect the dots between prehistoric cave paintings of dancing stick-like figures wearing animal masks and the modern pre By Anthea Gerrie. October may seem a little early to start planning Mardi Gras costumes, but not in Venice, Italy. Back in the day, the rakes of La Serenissima could hardly wait for October 5, the first day they were allowed to put masks on in the run-up to their version of the pre-Lent celebration they call Carnevale. Mardi Gras balls were exclusive events closed off from most people outside of New Orleans society until this krewe revolutionized the event. In 1949, Edward Brennan Sr. created the krewe, a carnival Ball open to tourists. Celebrate the return of the Seventh Annual Mardi Gras Masquerade on Fat Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at the iconic 40 Watt Club in Downtown Athens. Presented by Levelish Construction, this unforgettable evening will feature live performances by Mary and the Hot Hotty Hots and Brazilian Carnival band Bichos Vivos, festive food from local favorites, a costume contest, and the crowning of the Mardi 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. For many people, when they think of New Orleans they think of Mardi Gras, and when they think of Mardi Gras they think of extravagant costumes and masquerade masks. Millions of people gather to celebrate every year, and New Orleans has a rich history of these homemade masks being worn for hundreds of years. Mardi Gras: Mystery and History Built upon a European foundation, Mardi Gras is a multicultural festival that also reflects Louisiana's African and Caribbean connections. Although Carnival's modern roots can be traced to twelfth-century Rome, it is believed that the medieval pre-Lenten celebration descended from the fertility rituals and Today, Mardi Gras is celebrated in many different parts of the world, each with its unique flavor and style. While the modern-day Mardi Gras celebrations may differ from their ancient predecessors, the spirit of the holiday remains the same. Mardi Gras is a time to let loose, enjoy life, and revel in the joys of community and camaraderie. 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. Early Mardi Gras Balls . Mardi Gras balls have been around since Louisiana was a French colony. Just as we do today, Creole society kicked off the season on Twelfth Night with the King’s Ball (the Bal de Roi). The famous New Orleans celebration of Mardi Gras has a rich history. Learn Mardi Gras facts and the origins of the holiday's traditions such as beads, masks, and king cake. Welcome to Mardi Gras in Memphis! Experience the ultimate celebration of dazzling floats, live music, and rich cultural festivities. From February 21-23, 2025 join us for a historic carnival filled with entertainment, arts, and community fun—blending the spirit of New Orleans with the heart of Memphis. Let the good times roll! 🎭🎉 Fun the whole family can enjoy! Bring the kids Saturday
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Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
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