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Essential Mardi Gras Traditions You Can’t Miss. Mardi Gras is a colorful mix of cultural experiences that unite people in amazing ways. It happens in New Orleans and other Gulf Coast cities. These activities make memories that last a lifetime for everyone involved. Traditional Parade Customs. Mardi gras parades are the core of the carnival Though pre-Lenten Mardi Gras balls and parties were held in New Orleans as early as the mid-1700s, the first documented parade in the city did not occur until 1837. This first parade more resembled a procession of revelers in costume than it did the large, organized parades of today. Mardi Gras is so much more special when you understand what you’re celebrating and what each tradition means to the generations of parade-goers who have stood on parade routes before you. There is a story and a purpose behind everything you’ll experience during Carnival Time – from the king cake you’ll eat to the flambeaux who light the One of the most common Mardi Gras traditions is the alleged tradition of women exposing their breasts in exchange for beads tossed from parade floats. But the thing is, this isn’t actually a 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 The first ball was held in 1857 by the Mistick Krewe of Comus. Comus hosted the first parade, followed by Rex in 1872, which debuted the king of Mardi Gras. The Rex parade gave Mardi Gras the official colors of purple to represent justice, green to represent faith, and gold to represent power. The three colors were to represent the “king.” Parade goers will sit on the ground, throw balls, play music, eat great food and watch the crowds walk by between parades. On Mardi Gras day, the majority of non-essential businesses are shut down because of the celebration. Mardi Gras is a Legal Holiday in Louisiana – Louisiana is the only U.S. state that officially recognizes Mardi Gras as a public holiday. Flambeaux: Illuminating Tradition Originating in the 19th century, the flambeaux (French for “flame torch”) tradition began as a means to light the nighttime Mardi Gras parades before electric Or maybe you need some funny puns for your Mardi Gras Instagram captions (“Mardi gras, party gras!”). But first, read on for the top 10 Mardi Gras traditions, from the symbolic meaning of green, purple, and gold to the most popular parade “throws” and more. Today, more than 70 krewes parade through New Orleans on Mardi Gras, after celebrating the two weeks of Carnival with invitation-only balls and supper dances. 2. Rex, King of Carnival And it is unlawful to throw objects at parade floats. Finally, note that Mardi Gras float parades are protected from liability under a legal doctrine known as “assumption of risk.” By attending a parade, you assume the risk of being run over by a float, for instance, or being injured by a heavy strand of beads tossed from a float. The first ball was held in 1857 by the Mistick Krewe of Comus. Comus hosted the first parade, followed by Rex in 1872, which debuted the king of Mardi Gras. The Rex parade gave Mardi Gras the official colors of purple to represent justice, green to represent faith, and gold to represent power. The three colors were to represent the “king.” The Barefoot Mardi Gras Parade is a one-of-a-kind celebration that brings the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras to the shores of the Gulf Coast. Founded in 2010, this family-friendly event takes place annually on the sandy beaches of North Padre Island, Texas, blending the lively traditions of Mardi Gras with the laid-back, barefoot lifestyle of Plan your visit to Houma, and experience the joy, tradition, and culture of our unforgettable Mardi Gras celebration. Stay tuned to ExploreHouma.com for parade updates, route details, and everything you need to make the most of Mardi Gras 2025. Houma, it’s your time to shine—Mardi Gras season is here! Let’s celebrate Bayou Country style! Arthur Hardy’s Mardi Gras Guide. The venerable annual printed companion to the festivities, first published in 1977. Extensive krewe profiles/parade previews, including maps and detailed throw descriptions, plus news and features about happenings, personalities and traditions. An enduring human capacity for merriment and make-believe, for mirthful mockery and the creative indulgence of whimsy, as expressed in the customs and traditions associated with Mardi Gras. The Mardi Gras spirit is what compels one to summon the lost innocence of youth and seek ritual transformation through masking and parading.
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Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
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