⌛ History of Mardi Gras Beads. Mardi Gras beads have a rich history in New Orleans, especially in the French Quarter. The tradition of throwing Mardi Gras beads to spectators during the parade started in the early 1870s with an individual dressed as Santa Claus passing out gifts to spectators as he passed by. The idea was to toss the color to the person who exhibited the color’s meaning. Beads are a good time and can really spruce up an outfit. "Mardi Gras in New Orleans after dark can be a scary Mardi Gras beads meaning. One of the most common parade throws are Mardi Gras beads. A krewe called the Rex Organization introduced these beaded necklaces in 1921. When they were first introduced, the beads were made of glass and hand knotted on necklaces. Though they began as glass, most of the Mardi Gras beads you see thrown today are made of Beads act as a type of currency during Mardi Gras season in New Orleans. They hold symbolic value and can be used to barter for favors or goods. Beads serve as a conduit between parade-goers and krewe members on the floats. As beads are thrown from floats into the outstretched hands below, it builds a connection. In New Orleans, the celebration of Mardi Gras started 300 years ago. People only started throwing out favors during the 1840s, though , and it wasn’t until the 1880s that glass beads became a Mardi Gras beads are one of the most recognized and common parade throws, dating back to 1921 when the New Orleans Krewe of Rex Organization introduced them. Initially crafted from glass and hand-knotted, today’s beads are made mostly of plastic, making them more accessible to parade watchers. The throwing of trinkets to the crowds was started in the early 1870s by the Twelfth Night Revelers, and is a time-honored expectation for young and old alike. Read more. Mardi Gras throws are strings of beads, doubloons, cups, or other trinkets passed out or thrown from the floats for Mardi Gras celebrations, particularly in New Orleans, the Mobile, Alabama, and parades throughout the Gulf Coast of the United States, to spectators lining the streets. The "gaudy plastic jewelry, toys, and other mementos [are Beads Beyond Mardi Gras: Year-Round Meaning. Although Mardi Gras is the most prominent time to flaunt bead necklaces, their significance extends beyond the festive season. In New Orleans, bead necklaces are also associated with other events and occasions such as Saints football games, music festivals, and various parades throughout the year. Mardi Gras beads have played a significant role in cultural exchange between New Orleans and other cities around the world. The tradition of throwing beads has been adopted by cities and communities around the globe, reflecting the city’s cultural influence and its connection to the global community. These days, the Mardi Gras tradition has earned a special exemption from the Louisiana law that generally bans concealing or disguising one’s face in public.. Float riders toss beads, cups and The Mardi Gras that locals grew up with, enjoyed and love is occurring in every other part of New Orleans and the surrounding suburbs - not in the French Quarter. The large, traditional Mardi Gras krewes who bring you the "Greatest Free Show on Earth" do not even parade through the Quarter because there is a size restriction on floats in that area. The throwing of trinkets to the crowds was started in the early 1870s by the Twelfth Night Revelers, and is a time-honored expectation for young and old alike. Read more. The Mardi Gras that locals grew up with, enjoyed and love is occurring in every other part of New Orleans and the surrounding suburbs - not in the French Quarter. The large, traditional Mardi Gras krewes who bring you the "Greatest Free Show on Earth" do not even parade through the Quarter because there is a size restriction on floats in that area. Mardi Gras beads are part of a longstanding tradition in the New Orleans celebration of the holiday. Often referred to as “throws,” the beads are tossed off of parade floats to the thousands of onlookers, who then add them to their Mardi Gras-themed costumes. NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 15: A float with the theme 'Children's Stories That Live Forever' in the Krewe of Bacchus parade during Mardi Gras on February 15, 2015 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo The colors have become so intertwined with Mardi Gras that their mere presence can evoke the spirit of the celebration, even in places far from New Orleans. Cultural Evolution and Global Influence. The impact of these Mardi Gras colors has spread well beyond their initial purpose, inspiring artists, designers, and cultural festivities globally. The meaning behind Mardi Gras beads is steeped in symbolism. The colors of the beads have significance, with gold representing power, green representing faith, and purple representing justice. These colors were chosen because they were the colors of the flag of the Russian Grand Duke Alexis Alexandrovich Romanoff, who visited New Orleans in 1872. Mardi Gras is a Christian holiday and popular cultural phenomenon that dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility rites. It's most famously celebrated with parades in New Orleans
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |