While most people think of parades when they think of Mardi Gras, there are plenty of other traditions too. The King and Queen of each krewe work all year long for the big, spectacular ball. Their identity is a closely guarded secret and part of the mystique until the night of the Ball. Early Mardi Gras Balls . Mardi Gras balls have been around since Louisiana was a French colony. Just as we do today, Creole society kicked off the season on Twelfth Night with the King’s Ball (the Bal de Roi). The highlight of the evening was the cutting of the King Cake (the Gateau des Rois). The last day of the Mardi Gras or “Fat Tuesday” festivities is the day before Ash Wednesday otherwise known as the first day of Lent. How long is Mardi Gras? Mardi Gras or “Fat Tuesday” is the final day of carnival and just like any other day lasts 24 hours. However, the Mardi Gras carnival season varies according to the dates of Easter. what happens at a Mardi Gras Ball?”. These annual Mardi Gras balls are high-brow social events that require full tuxedos and evening gowns. They are essentially a celebration for krewe members, and you’ll often see a “king and queen” for the year crowned at these events to celebrate those who have gone above and beyond for their krewe. Mardi Gras krewes are social organizations that host balls or put on parades each carnival season. Some krewes have open membership, while others are highly exclusive or secretive. They can be organized by neighborhood, interest or involvement in the community. At Mardi Gras krewe celebrations, the dress code and style of revelry tends to reflect the ethos of the krewe itself. While visitors to Mardi Gras won’t likely have the opportunity to attend the likes of a Comus or Rex ball, many krewe soi rées are accessible to non-members who know or have a connection to a member. Mardi Gras balls are a time-honored tradition in New Orleans, and they are a big part of the city’s Carnival celebration. Balls are held throughout the city during the two weeks leading up to Mardi Gras Day, and they are a chance for revelers to dress up in their finest clothes and enjoy a night of music, dancing, and socializing. Mardi Gras Traditions Around the World . Communities around the world celebrate Mardi Gras or Carnival. Not far from New Orleans, Mobile, Alabama, still maintains its time-honored Mardi Gras traditions, like parades and balls. Quebec, Canada, also draws on its French roots with Mardi Gras, though celebrations didn't begin until the late 1800s. And in 1872, Rex, the king of Mardi Gras made his debut. Today, hundreds of Mardi Gras clubs (krewes) host grand balls and dozens of parade. Balls and Parades . Mardi Gras balls are opulent affairs with kings, queens, royal courts, and an abundance of pomp and pageantry. These individuals are often prominent members of the community or celebrities chosen by the krewe members. The king and queen, along with their court, are presented during the ball and perform ceremonial rituals. 5. Ball Themes and Decorations: Mardi Gras balls are known for their extravagant themes and elaborate decorations. While most people think of parades when they think of Mardi Gras, there are plenty of other traditions too. The King and Queen of each krewe work all year long for the big, spectacular ball. Their identity is a closely guarded secret and part of the mystique until the night of the Ball. Orpheus (Monday before Mardi Gras): Known for creative floats and sought-after throws like four-foot stuffed dragons and custom-decorated tambourines. Zulu (Mardi Gras Day): Beloved for its unique throws, including the iconic hand-decorated coconuts. Rex (Mardi Gras Day): One of the oldest and most traditional parades, featuring a regal 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? This Mardi Gras ball will be our 2nd event like no other! We are bring Louisiana to Texas and we are doing it in a BIG way! This event will feature live entertainment, state of the art production, scholarship donation, and a Mardi Gras celebration that you can't find in Houston. Announcing a new location soon! While New Orleans Mardi Gras history, including balls, comprise the first part, it’s exciting to learn about the rich and varied Carnival traditions, like Courir de Mardi Gras in Acadiana, or historic moments, like New Roads’ 1911 African American parade, led by King Snowball and his consort on the first float while a second float carried a The 2025 Mardi Gras season is just beginning, and Coastal Mississippi is packed full of fun parades and events perfect for incoming visitors. Come along with us as we celebrate the Carnival season! Laissez les bon temps rouler –– "Let the good times roll!" The Mardi Gras season will be here before you know it and it all gets underway in early January with the 12th night celebration. Mardi Gras is late this year with Mardi Gras Day taking place on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, this season. Some like a later season because that gives them more time to prepare for it. It also gives Mardi Gras Krewe more Mardi Gras Party Planning MADE EASY. Mardi Gras is a fun celebration with parades, costumes, music, and yummy food! It’s the perfect chance to enjoy spicy dishes, sweet treats like King Cake, and have a great time with friends. A Mardi Gras menu made for you means no stress over what to cook—just more time to enjoy the party! SEE ALSO: Mobile Mardi Gras Parade Schedule 2025. MOBILE, Ala. (WPMI) — City of Mobile releases information on Mardi Gras parking. Courtesy of Mobile Mask www.mobilemask.com. Saturday, January 11. Massacre Island Secret Society (Fort Gaines) Queens With Dreams (The Grounds) Friday, January 17. Port City Secondliners (The Grounds) Saturday A Mardi Gras ball is, at its core, a tribute to the grandeur of the Gilded Age, so why not dress the part? The more drama, the better. After all, you can’t possibly out-poof or out-ruffle an entire cadre of debutantes.
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