The official colors of New Orleans Mardi Gras are purple, green and gold. The Krewe of Rex chose these colors in 1872 in part to honor the Russian Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich Romanov, who visited New Orleans during that year’s carnival season. Learn about the history of some of the most popular Mardi Gras traditions so you can celebrate in New Orleans the right way! many new krewes popped up during the beginning of the 20th century 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. Mardi Gras is a tradition that dates back thousands of years to pagan celebrations of spring and fertility, including the raucous Roman festivals of Saturnalia and Lupercalia. 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. From the story of how Mardi Gras first came to be to the most popular traditions—like the beads and the king cake—we're exploring the most raucous holiday of the year. the kings during 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. The act of throwing beads might be one of the most prominent activities that take place during Mardi Gras. What is known by locals and Mardi Gras goers as “throws,” happens when beads and 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 History Behind 5 of New Orleans’ Favorite Mardi Gras Traditions 5 minute read A person walks among beads during a parade on Feb. 17, 2017, in New Orleans. The identity of Rex, the king of Mardi Gras, is kept secret until Lundi Gras (the day before Mardi Gras), and only those within certain social circles receive invitations to the lavish Rex Ball. Le Krewe d’État (Founded 1996) – A newer krewe that upholds the secrecy and satire of traditional Mardi Gras, d’État is known for its The term "Mardi Gras" is commonly used to refer to the entire Carnival season, but Mardi Gras (a.k.a. "Fat Tuesday") is actually just a one day, pre-Lent party. When is Mardi Gras? 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. thelucaszoo. Come Mardi Gras, king cake reigns above all else. "Better than bakery's! Living and eating in New Orleans for my entire life I was a bit skeptical if I could actually pull off a king cake," writes New Orleans local and home cook Laur5270, who recommends omitting the raisins to make the recipe more traditional. Although many people assume that drinking to excess at Mardi Gras is perfectly acceptable, if not expected, public drunkenness is a leading cause of arrest during the festivities. If you pass out on a door stoop or on a bench, or get caught urinating in public, there’s a good chance you’ll wind up in Central Lock-up. 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. 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. The all-male krewe has been staging Mardi Gras events in New Orleans since 1872 and are the ones who started the tradition of using the holiday’s famous colors: yellow, purple, and green. Wearing masks and costumes is a longstanding tradition during Mardi Gras, with participants donning elaborate disguises to add an air of mystery and excitement to the celebrations. In the early days of Mardi Gras, masks allowed people to hide their identity, breaking down social barriers and allowing revelers to interact freely without the And wait till you hear the ingredient list: 4,000 pounds of Danish flour, 286 pounds of yeast, 428 dozen eggs, 1,178 pounds of water, 8.925 gallons of flavoring, 2,087 pounds of icing, 331 pounds
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