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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. 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 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 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.” 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 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 Mardi Gras is about music, parades, picnics, floats and excitement. It's one big holiday in New Orleans! Revelers know to wear costumes or at least dress in purple, green, and gold, and adorn themselves with long beads caught from the floats of previous parades. 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 Riding on a float in a Mardi Gras parade — bestowing coveted baubles into the outstretched hands of a jazzed crowd — can be quite a thrill. Fortunately for those with a yen to play Santa Claus, some parading krewes let outsiders join in the fun — for a price. Mardi Gras Traditions. Mardi Gras is known for its unique and lively traditions. From parades to masks, these customs add to the excitement of the celebration. The tradition of wearing masks during Mardi Gras allows people to escape societal constraints and fully participate in the festivities. This year, Mardi Gras is Tuesday, March 4. Mardi Gras parades. Mardi Gras parades are the highlight of the season. Staged by "krewes"—Carnival organizations—these parades range from small Shorty Gras—the Krewe of Freret’s annual post-parade party—takes place on February 22 at Mardi Gras World and features performances by Ja Rule, Juvenile, The Soul Rebels, and of course New Orleans takes Mardi Gras seriously, with traditions including king cake and parades beginning in January and lasting for weeks until the actual holiday itself. The Firefighters felt that since the parades are the main attraction to Mardi Gras, and because the Children’s Parade was the only Mardi Gras activity geared toward children, it was important to keep the tradition alive. 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 Riding on a float in a Mardi Gras parade — bestowing coveted baubles into the outstretched hands of a jazzed crowd — can be quite a thrill. Fortunately for those with a yen to play Santa Claus, some parading krewes let outsiders join in the fun — for a price. 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. 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. Every year, as winter fades and spring approaches, the streets of New Orleans explode with color, music, and celebration. Mardi Gras, the grandest festival in Louisiana, is famous for its parades, beads, masked revelers, and deep cultural traditions.
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Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
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