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Of all the American cities to throw one last celebration before Lent, New Orleans is the best known, thanks to its full-throated carnival on “Fat Tuesday,” or Mardi Gras. Culture Trip takes a look at the traditions and quirks of this famous festival to give you a better understanding of just how integral it is to Louisiana culture. The first American Mardi Gras took place on March 3, 1699, African and native traditions. In Canada, Quebec City hosts the giant Quebec Winter Carnival. In Italy, tourists flock to Venice’s Mardi Gras arrived in North America as a sedate French Catholic tradition with the Le Moyne brothers, [3] Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville and Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, in the late 17th century, when King Louis XIV sent the pair to defend France's claim on the territory of Louisiane, which included what are now the U.S. states of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. 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. From timeless Mardi Gras traditions to colorful spectacles, there’s so much to discover. Time: “The History Behind 5 of New Orleans’ Favorite Mardi Gras Traditions” Scientific American The first North American Mardi Gras was celebrated in Alabama—not Louisiana. Getty French-Canadian explorer Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville arrived in what is now modern day Mobile, Alabama on Fat New Orleans is undoubtedly the modern center of Mardi Gras in America, but historians say the country’s oldest celebration was likely in Mobile, Alabama. They point to travel journals left From the past to the present, Mardi Gras is full of traditions. Mardi Gras balls began in the 1700s and still exist today. At the Twelfth Night ball, a king cake was cut, and whoever found the bean (a precursor to today’s baby) inside would host the next ball. This would continue until Mardi Gras evening. The very first American Mardi Gras celebration took place in March 1699 after two French settlers landed near present-day New Orleans and brought their traditions with them. The French colonists who followed over the proceeding decades introduced the "Galette des Rois," or king cake, which is how it became a New Orleanian symbol. Mardi Gras arrived in North America in 1699, when French explorers Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville and Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville landed near present-day Louisiana and celebrated the occasion. Over time, the city of New Orleans became the heart of Mardi Gras in the U.S., embracing the tradition with grand parades, music, and masks. Mardi Gras and Carnival are the same holiday, although they vary depending on the people celebrating it and their cultural traditions. The word carnaval comes from the Medieval Latin word Carnelevarium, which means “to take away meat”; thus, the two names of this festivity are closely related. The celebration of Mardi Gras has evolved over the centuries, but at its core, it remains a celebration of life, community, and indulgence. Originally rooted in religious traditions, Mardi Gras serves as a final opportunity to enjoy rich foods, drink, and revelry before the fasting and solemnity of Lent. While one of the most famous Mardi Gras celebrations is in New Orleans, Louisiana, the holiday is celebrated across the globe, from North America, to South America, Europe and Asia. DIY Mardi Gras Mask Craft. One of the most iconic symbols of Mardi Gras is the decorative mask. Masks have been worn during Mardi Gras celebrations for centuries, adding an air of mystery and excitement to the festivities. In this fun activity, your kids can create their own Mardi Gras masks using traditional colors and decorations. Materials Some of those traditions include the Black Masking Indians, the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club, which is an actual parading group. They ride on floats and have throws. And we also have the Northside Skull and Bones Group, which is a skeleton group. They are the first in Black Mardi Gras traditions to come out on Mardi Gras day. Mardi Gras made its way to North America with French explorers. In 1699, French-Canadian explorer Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville arrived at a plot of land near present-day New Orleans and named it "Pointe du Mardi Gras" because it was the holiday’s eve. The Mardi Gras Indians symbolize a unique connection between African and Indigenous heritage in the Crescent City. Albumen silver prints, Mounts: 10.8 x 17.8 cm (4 1/4 x 7 in.), Photographs Whether the first Mardi Gras in the country was held in New Orleans or Mobile, Alabama, is up for debate, but the Louisiana State Museum suggests that French explorer Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville This year, Mardi Gras takes place on February 28 th. How will you be celebrating? The Origins of Popular Mardi Gras Traditions. As touched on above, there’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that Mardi Gras is a huge deal, not only in New Orleans but elsewhere as well. However, many people have no real idea where some of the most time-honored Mardi As it turns out, many of those elements found their way to America. The First American Mardi Gras: the Tale of Two Cities . Anyone who’s attended even one Mardi Gras in America will no doubt swear New Orleans owns it. After all, N’awlins feels kinda Mardi Gras-ish all year round.
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