Mardi Gras music, like Christmas music, is not so much a style of music as it is an aural milieu comprised of various forms. Among them: orchestral and big-band arrangements played at tableau balls; Mardi Gras-themed rhythm-and-blues numbers that pour out of jukeboxes, “cutting-loose” jazz tunes that drive revelers to “shake booty” and pump umbrellas in the air; Afro-Caribbean chants Mardi Gras (UK: / ˌ m ɑːr d i ˈ ɡ r ɑː /, US: / ˈ m ɑːr d i ɡ r ɑː /; [1] [2] also known as Shrove Tuesday) is the final day of Carnival (also known as Shrovetide or Fastelavn); it thus falls on the day before the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday. [3] The Mardi Gras Indians started their journey in the late 1800s and pulled much of their influence from their Native American comrades. Whether they're Wild Tchoupitoulas or Wild Magnolia, the music of the Mardi Gras Indians represents strength and long-rooted tradition and is as vital a part of Mardi Gras music history as the music of brass bands. The traditions of Mardi Gras are a huge part of New Orleans' cultural identity. They've been evolving since the mid-1700s, and for the past century or so, the music of the Crescent City has Mardi Gras History and Tradition. Now a cultural phenomenon, Mardi Gras began as a Christian practice — particularly a Roman Catholic one. On the Tuesday before Lent, which marks a period of penance and fasting, revelers would enjoy liberal amounts of rich, savory foods. This tradition became known as Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday.” Mardi Gras is a tradition that dates back thousands of years to pagan celebrations of spring and fertility, including the raucous Roman festivals of Saturnalia and Lupercalia. 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. Mardi Gras Music History The nexus between Carnival and music reflects the festive, let-the-good-times-roll culture of the Crescent City, where parading and dancing have long been obsessions. The seasonal spirit and its accompanying soundtrack conspire to prompt revelers to shed inhibitions Mardi Gras is a joyous and vibrant reflection of the city’s diverse heritage. During the Mardi Gras festivities, the city streets come alive with a kaleidoscope of colors and an energizing ambiance. Parades featuring elaborate floats, masked revelers, and marching bands take center stage. The enigmatic Mardi Gras Indians, influenced by Native American traditions, left an indelible mark on the season, contributing to musical favorites like “Iko Iko” and “Jock-A-Mo.” The music of the Mardi Gras Indians, representing strength and tradition, became an integral part of Mardi Gras music history. Mardi Gras is quickly approaching. Celebrated on Tuesday March 4 this year, the holiday is one big party: think music-filled parades, colorful beads, exposed chests (free the nipple?), and The term "Mardi Gras" is commonly used to refer to the entire Carnival season, but Mardi Gras (a.k.a. "Fat Tuesday") is actually just a one day, pre-Lent party. When is Mardi Gras? The energy and excitement of Mardi Gras provide a welcome break from the routines of everyday life, allowing people to experience a sense of freedom and spontaneity. Conclusion. Mardi Gras is much more than just a party; it is a celebration with deep historical, cultural, and spiritual roots. During Mardi Gras celebrations, you'll hear a whole mish-mash of party music and other genres. For this Mardi Gras playlist, we've focused mainly on brass bands, rhythm and blues, jazz, and zydeco in order to capture the traditional sounds of the Bourbon Street festivities. In Christian cultures, Mardi Gras, also known as Carnival and Shrove Tuesday, is the last day before the beginning of Lent, a period of fasting and repentance leading up to Easter. The date of Mardi Gras is 41 days before Easter Sunday, whose date varies from year to year. Discover the rich symbolism of Mardi Gras in this engaging article that goes beyond the festive parades and lively music. Explore how Mardi Gras embodies cultural heritage, community spirit, and themes of renewal and joy. From its origins in ancient pagan celebrations to modern-day traditions in New Orleans and beyond, learn about the significance of masks, beads, and King Cake. Celebrate life At the heart of it, Mardi Gras is also a Christian holiday traced to pagan spring and fertility rites dating back thousands of years that has become a popular cultural phenomenon worldwide. And although Mardi Gras is today most closely associated with New Orleans, Louisiana, it is observed in hundreds of cities in more than fifty countries. The Krewe of Kings The Krewe of Kings (aka the Kings of Metry) is a Jefferson Parish Carnival Club, established in 2019. After a short hiatus due to Covid and the tragic passing of Co-Founder Mckinley “Mackie” J. Cantrell III, the krewe is returning to the Metairie parade route on Lundi Gras in 2025. NO MID-ROLL ADS. Step into the soul of New Orleans with this vintage jazz playlist, set against the enchanting backdrop of a Mardi Gras-adorned French Quarte Although “Mardi Gras” and “Carnival” are often used interchangeably, New Orleanians are more prone to use Carnival, even sometimes referring to Mardi Gras as “Carnival Day,” while tourists generally say Mardi Gras, often conflating that term with the entirety of the weeks-long celebration.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |