Laborde verifies that the colors of Mardi Gras can be traced to the first Rex parade in 1872. He cites newspapers of the day that included a proclamation from the King of the Carnival deigning that balconies should be draped in purple, green and gold. The Mardi Gras colors weren’t given an official meaning until 1892, when the Rex parade had the theme “Symbolism of Colors.” That’s the year it was decided that purple stood for justice, A key part of the visual identity of Mardi Gras are the traditional colors of purple, green and gold that are found everywhere during the celebrations. The Meaning Behind the Colors. The three official colors of Mardi Gras each have their own significance: Purple represents justice. Green represents faith. Gold represents power. The colors of Mardi Gras – purple, green, and gold – represent the Trinity, with purple symbolizing royalty, green representing faith, and gold representing purity. Q: Why are the colors of Mardi Gras so important? The colors of Mardi Gras are important because they symbolize the values and ideals of the celebration, including community The Origins of Mardi Gras Colors. The history of Mardi Gras colors dates back to the 17th century, when the French and Spanish monarchies ruled over the Americas. During this time, the colors of the French and Spanish royal families became synonymous with the Mardi Gras celebrations. The French monarchy, in particular, played a significant role Rex, one of the oldest Mardi Gras krewes, has been participating in parades since 1872 and established purple, gold and green as the iconic Mardi Gras colors. Louisiana is the only state in which They introduced the official Mardi Gras colors. Mardi Gras is not just for humans; New Orleans hosts a "Krewe of Barkus" parade, where dogs don costumes and join the fun. The largest Mardi Gras float ever built was over 330 feet long and carried more than 200 riders. Mardi Gras in Popular Culture. Mardi Gras has made its mark in popular culture The official colors of Mardi Gras became established in 1872 with the formation of Rex, the city’s oldest parading Carnival organization. The group adopted purple, green, and gold as the official symbolic colors representing justice, faith, and power. The origins of the Mardi Gras color scheme can be traced back to the 18th century, when the first organized Mardi Gras parades took place in New Orleans. At that time, the city was under the influence of the French and Spanish, and the colors chosen for the festivities were inspired by the royal colors of these European powers. The Significance of Mardi Gras Colors. Mardi Gras colors are an integral part of the celebration, and their significance extends beyond mere aesthetics. Each color has a specific meaning, and understanding their importance is crucial to appreciating the true essence of Mardi Gras. The Colors of Mardi Gras. The traditional colors of Mardi Gras Mardi Gras masks are more than just festive accessories—they carry a rich history and cultural significance. Every detail, Mardi Gras color and design tells a story, and the artists who craft Mardi Gras Colors. The traditional Mardi Gras colors in Mobile are purple and gold. Purple represents justice, though it is also related to European royalty and monarchies. Gold represents power. A third color has been added, likely due to the influence of and popularity of Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans. Green was added, representing Ahhhh, Mardi Gras. The excitement in the air, the sound of music, and the vibrant colors that adorn the streets. Every year, the Mardi Gras festivals around the world bring color, life, and lavish celebrations to their respective cities. In fact, the true history of Mardi Gras colors starts with the modern, leading Mardi Gras historian Errol Flynn Laborde who was performing research in preparation for the 125th anniversary of the Rex organization. According to Laborde, while the Mardi Gras colors can indeed be traced back to the first Rex parade held in 1872, there aren’t any The original version was a simple bread or cake, often made with flour, sugar, and yeast, and sometimes flavored with cinnamon. it became a cornerstone of Mardi Gras, with its colors and The original flambeaux carriers during Mardi Gras were enslaved individuals and free men of color, who would receive coins tossed to them by crowds lining the parade route, according to History.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |