Used first by the Mistick Krewe of Comus in 1857, krewe is the generic term for all Carnival organizations in New Orleans. Lundi Gras. French for Fat Monday, Lundi Gras is the day before Mardi Gras. It was celebrated from 1874 to 1917 with Rex’s arrival by steamboat. If you are new to Mardi Gras, you'll need to know the lingo. Here is a list of common Carnival terms. Glossary of Mardi Gras Terms. Ball: a Mardi Gras ball is a special event parades host prior to rolling. They are similar to galas and often feature presentations of the royal court, dancing and costumes. LAGNIAPPE: Popular New Orleans expression meaning "a little something extra," as in a baker's dozen. MARDI GRAS: Literally, "fat Tuesday." The climactic day of the carnival season, on the last New Orleans is famous for Mardi Gras, but you should also check out southwest Louisiana and the city of Lake Charles, about 75 miles west of Lafayette, near the Texas border. Here, the glitz and glamor features more than 60 parade groups, known as krewes, with a family-friendly feel and plenty of activities for children, including a children For instance, during Mardi Gras, you might hear someone shout, “Laissez les bon temps rouler!” A local might say, “In New Orleans, we live by the motto ‘Laissez les bon temps rouler’.” When inviting friends to a party, someone might say, “Come join us for a night of fun and laissez les bon temps rouler!” 3. Throw me somethin’ In New Orleans a Mardi Gras parade may as well be classified as a national sport, and the parade-goer is expected to participate in the action by catching whatever is being thrown at them from the passing floats, while yelling “throw me somethin’, Mista!” This phrase must be yelled at the tops of the lungs to get the parade-rider’s Here are the Top 10 Mardi Gras terms used in Louisiana and what they mean. Ball: A Mardi Gras ball or bal is a special event that Krewes host before their parades roll. They are usually opulent, formal affairs with costumes and dancing and often feature a tableau, which is the presentation of the royal court. The title bestowed upon the potentate of the Twelfth Night Revelers at their debut in 1870. In olden times, as James Gill explains in his book Lords of Misrule: Mardi Gras and the Politics of Race in New Orleans, the name was given to “the humorous fellow who organized revels from Christmas to Twelfth Night in the great houses of Europe.” “Let the good times roll”: A French saying associated with Mardi Gras. Lundi Gras. Monday before Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras). Includes the tradition of Rex, the King of New Orleans Carnival arrival by boat. Check for parades on this day. Mardi Gras. Traced back to Medieval Europe and found its way to New Orleans by a French-Canadian Explorer. MARDI GRAS. French for Fat Tuesday, the single-day culmination of the Carnival season. KREWE. The generic term for all Carnival organizations in New Orleans, first used by the Mistick Krewe of Comus which coined the word in 1857 to give its club’s name an Old English flavor. CAPTAIN. The absolute leader of each Carnival organization. CARNIVAL Click on the Mardi Gras krewes below for further information about the krewe and to see their usual route for each parade. Please note: Events and activities are subject to change without notice. Stay tuned to the site for further info. Click on the Mardi Gras krewes below for further information about the krewe and to see their usual route for each parade. Please note: Events and activities are subject to change without notice. Stay tuned to the site for further info. Common New Orleans Words & Phrases We say a few things differently here - take a look. We talk different here in New Orleans. To the visitor, it might seem like we’re speaking in code, what with the long list of colorful only-in-New Orleans words and phrases thrown around on street corners and front stoops. Mardi Gras may be an ancient celebration but there's always something new to discover. As the krewes announce their 2025 themes, throws and celebrity monarchs and riders, we'll post that information here Mardi Gras Tips from NOLA Locals: What to Know Before You Go Essential Mardi Gras Advice from NOLA Insiders. New Orleans comes alive during Mardi Gras in ways that are impossible to capture until you’ve seen it with your own eyes. Who first uttered the phrase, “Laissez les bons temps rouler” – “Let the good times roll!” – in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. What does it mean? How do you really spell it? Learn this and more right here. Mardi Gras may be an ancient celebration but there's always something new to discover. As the krewes announce their 2025 themes, throws and celebrity monarchs and riders, we'll post that information here Mardi Gras Doubloon Learn more about this iconic parade throw. What makes New Orleans Mardi Gras parades unique from— and much more fun than—parades across the country is simple: active crowd participation. Everything you need to know about Mardi Gras, including updated parade routes, traditions, the best places to get Mardi Gras beads, masks, king cakes and more! – This classic New Orleans phrase is used by fans of the New Orleans Saints football team. It’s often shouted as a greeting or cheer at games, and it’s become a cultural touchstone for the city. “Making groceries” – This is a Louisiana Creole phrase that has been used in New Orleans for generations. It refers to the act of going
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