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Mardi Gras is bursting with vibrant traditions, and few are as iconic as attending parades, indulging in delicious and colorful king cakes and donning elaborate Mardi Gras masks. But have you ever Mardi Gras masks in particular originated in ritual celebrations. New Orleans has been celebrating Mardi Gras for hundreds of years, and is the largest masked party in North America. In the beginning, masks worn during Mardi Gras allowed wearers to escape society and class constraints. While a modern-day Mardi Gras mask may not serve the same purpose, anonymity still adds a touch of freedom and mystery to the festive occasion. Today, the tradition lives on as parade float riders in New Orleans are still required to don Mardi Gras masks, a nod to the rich history of the tradition. History of Mardi Gras masks. If you find yourself in New Orleans, watching the Mardi Gras parade, you’ll see many people wearing Mardi Gras masks. You may be surprised to find out that wearing masks is one of the original Mardi Gras traditions. The Mardi Gras mask history dates back to the very first Mardi Gras celebrations. Venetian masks are some of the most popular and recognizable, and it is obvious that Mardi Gras draws inspiration from them. There are even entire stores in Louisiana dedicated to masks, most notable of which being Maskarade in New Orleans. Located only a minute away from the St. Louis Cathedral, it is home to a huge selection of Mardi Gras masks. Wherever Mardi Gras is celebrated, the mask is key. Behind the best masks, they can’t tell whether you are laughing or crying. They can’t tell how absolutely drunk you are. The mask helps erase consequence. “Riders want folks to say, ‘Well, I didn’t see you on Mardi Gras!,’” claims Iota Louisiana mask-maker Jackie Miller. Not Just New Orleans: While New Orleans hosts the most famous Mardi Gras celebration, cities like Mobile, Alabama, and St. Louis, Missouri, also have long-standing Mardi Gras traditions. The World’s Largest Free Party: Mardi Gras in New Orleans is often called the “greatest free show on Earth,” with parades and events open to all. What is Mardi Gras Masking? Do people costume? Masking is a tradition during Mardi Gras. Masks were first worn to escape society and class constraints. Today, float-riders are required to wear masks by law to keep in tradition and mystery of who is in which krewe. Float-riders often wear a costume as well that matches their float’s theme. All about the history behind five of New Orleans' favorite Mardi Gras traditions: krewes, masks, beads, king cake and the Mardi Gras colors. (which he called Point du Mardi Gras) on Fat By Anthea Gerrie. October may seem a little early to start planning Mardi Gras costumes, but not in Venice, Italy. Back in the day, the rakes of La Serenissima could hardly wait for October 5, the first day they were allowed to put masks on in the run-up to their version of the pre-Lent celebration they call Carnevale. From lavish Gras party extravaganzas to intimate Mardi Gras masquerade soirées, these masks are the ultimate accessory for the stylish male reveler. Craftsmanship and Quality of Mens Mardi Gras Masks. Meticulously crafted with premium materials and attention to detail, our men's Mardi Gras masks are a testament to superior craftsmanship. Mardi gras costumes are more than clothes; they turn people into living works of art filled with joy and imagination. The traditions of mardi gras masks go back to European carnival celebrations. People make detailed masks that share stories of mystery and joy. These masks range from elegant Venetian designs to vibrant New Orleans styles. Known for its spectacular parades, floats, marching bands, throws, and King cake, Mardi Gras is the biggest celebration in New Orleans. The first recorded Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans took The origin of the mardi gras jester is thought to date back to ancient Rome, where they were known as “fools” or “joculatores.” The tradition was then adopted by the French during the Middle Ages, and the jester became a staple of mardi gras celebrations in New Orleans. What Is A Mardi Gras Mask Called? Vincent began mask making after a vacation to New Orleans, where he was first exposed to leather Mardi Gras masks. He spent several hours in the mask shop, and purchased two, before I headed home. After doing some research on the mask making process, he drew upon his background in art, and produced several masks. While New Orleans is famous for its big Mardi Gras celebrations, other places in the world celebrate, too! Brazil – In Brazil, Mardi Gras is called Carnival, and they have huge parades with samba dancers and amazing costumes. France – Since Mardi Gras started in France, they still celebrate with food, music, and dancing! It is this ability to transcend the prosaic, through a ritual transformation of one’s identity, that bestows the exhilaration and magic inherent in the words “Mardi Gras.” Masker. Someone who masks or wears a costume-—as in the lyric from The Wild Tchoupitoulas song “Meet the Boys on the Battlefront”: “Maskers runnin’ up and Mardi Gras is a tradition that dates back thousands a secret society of New Orleans businessmen called the Mistick Krewe of Comus organized a torch-lit Mardi Gras procession with marching 1. It’s illegal to mount on a parade float without a mask on Mardi Gras. 2. Continuing wearing masks on Ash Wednesday is regarded a rude gesture and a sign of mockery of the Lenten season. Mardi Gras is derived from the French term ‘Fat Tuesday’ which is also known as ‘Shrove Tuesday’ and falls on a Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.
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