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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. Bacchus: a parade that rolls the Sunday 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. In 1987, the custom was revived and now Lundi Gras includes parades, concerts and Carnival activities staged by both Rex and Zulu. Rex. One of the oldest krewes still parading. Rex rolls on Fat Tuesday. 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. A Mardi Gras, as a participant in a courir is known, may beg for a chicken or demand a san sous—a small coin for the Mardi Gras. In addition to a “capuchon”—a tall cone-shaped hat that, in medieval times, was a symbol of mockery of royalty—the revelers typically wear masks made out of a type of wire screen used to crush pecans and Mardi Gras comes to a close on Tuesday night, and soon, those who celebrate will exclaim “Laissez les bons temps rouler,” or “Let the good times roll” for the last time this Carnival season. BEADS – Necklaces, also known as throws, from floats or walkers worn by Mardi Gras revelers and parade participants. Beads can vary in length, size, color, style, structure, and quality. BOEUF GRAS (French) – The fatted bull or ox, the ancient symbol of the last meat eaten before the Lent season of fasting. Krewe -- A Mardi Gras Krewe is a group of people or organization that puts on a ball and participates in the Mardi Gras parades. They usually have a theme for each year and select a king and queen to represent the Krewe in the parades, Twelve night and Royal gala's. 1. Mardi Gras. This is French for "Fat Tuesday," a reference to the fact that Mardi Gras always is the day before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent in the Catholic faith. Because the 40 days of Lent are considered a somber period of sacrifice, Fat Tuesday is seen by many as an appropriate time for indulgence and festivity — a last chance The season, which represents a time of celebration before Christian Lent, lasts until Fat Tuesday. Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras Day, is March 4, 2025. Between January 6 and March 4, enjoy parades, king cake, community celebrations, and more. For a list of future Mardi Gras Day dates, see here. Where in New Orleans can I experience Mardi Gras? Founded in 1916, the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club is the most prominent Black Mardi Gras organization and the only major majority-Black parading krewe. Zulu parades on Mardi Gras Day before Rex, and the kings of the two parades meet annually for a symbolic toast as part of the celebration. Mardi Gras Vocabulary in Southwest Louisiana Consider them a Mardi Gras offering. Costumes Are Encouraged (and Sometimes Required) If you’re not in a wig, sequins, or at least a feather boa, are you even doing Mardi Gras right? And on Mardi Gras day wear a heavy coat, shorts, tank top and sneakers because the weather changes from winter wonderland to summer by noon.- Tamsy Kambi The spirit of Mardi Gras is alive and well: the love of life (joie de vivre), the enjoyment of music, food (especially king cake!) and a great drink, plus, yes, the beads are all still here. And They held a small celebration and dubbed their landing spot Point du Mardi Gras. (Some argue the port city of Mobile, Alabama was actually the firs t to observe the event.) French for the holiday known as Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras is that special day for Christians to get all that "naughty" behavior out of their system before they head to church the very next day Mardi Gras, a vibrant and joyous celebration steeped in tradition, is a time for revelry, feasting, and the shedding of inhibitions. As the world watches in awe of the colorful parades, elaborate costumes, and infectious energy that define this festive occasion, it’s natural to want to join in the merriment. This one that says let’s celebrate with traditional Mardi Gras colors is super cute. I also love this watercolor digital invite. 3. Make your menu. Mardi Gras is a big deal in South Louisiana, so Cajun and Creole fare is typical! To me, making the menu is the easiest way to capture that Louisiana flair for your Mardi Gras celebration. So, they eat and eat and eat during Mardi Gras just to satisfy their flesh, in the hopes that they would have enough strength to go through the Lenten season. If you ask me, it is such a RIDICULOUS and STUPID way of preparing for something they consider as holy, sacred, and important season. 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. They say when LSU was deciding on its colors, the shops in New Orleans had stocked up on purple, green, and gold for the Mardi Gras season. LSU decided upon purple and gold, and bought much of it. Tulane bought much of the only remaining color – green. What do I wear to a Mardi Gras bal? Secondly, you should know that most Mardi Gras bals are formal events. Depending on the host Krewe, ladies should wear a long formal gown. For less formal events, a cocktail dress is acceptable. Word to the wise, if you have the option, go with the full-length formal dress. You'll thank me later!
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