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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. 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. 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. MARDI GRAS: Literally, "fat Tuesday." The climactic day of the carnival season, on the last Tuesday before Lent, accompanied by wild holiday-making, masked balls and (since 1827) massive parades 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. Mardi Gras. Traced back to Medieval Europe and found its way to New Orleans by a French-Canadian Explorer. Also is the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday and signifies the end of the Carnival Season. Mardi Gras is where there are Parades with dazzling floats and masked balls throughout the entire Carnival Season. Mardi Gras Indians Here are a few basic terms you'll want to know before you don a mask and head out for your first Carnival experience. 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 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. 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 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 Parlez-vous Mardi Gras? (Do you speak Mardi Gras?) A playful and engaging way to initiate conversation with fellow revelers. The Art of Mardi Gras Conversation. Beyond greetings, engaging in conversation with fellow revelers is an integral part of the Mardi Gras experience. Here are some tips to navigate social interactions during this festive If you're trying to do Mardi Gras on a budget, you should take advantage of the open container laws during the day by bringing your alcoholic beverages with you to parades. It's much cheaper than purchasing alcohol from vendors or bars once you're there. Don't bother purchasing Mardi Gras beads. You'll get plenty for free during the parades. Already been to Mardi Gras in New Orleans and think you can scratch it off your bucket list? Not so fast! Before you say you’ve seen it all, here are some specific must-dos. From quirky events to super-local traditions, here is how to have the ultimate Mardi Gras experience. 1. Dance with the marching bands If you think women flashing their breasts during Mardi Gras is a relatively new phenomenon, then you are mistaken. The act — and I use the word "act" here because any longtime NOLA resident will Mardi Gras in New Orleans, you can’t miss the parades (here’s the parade schedule).The parades are at the very heart of Mardi Gras, and they’re a key part to experiencing the city at the time of year. Q: How do I become a Mardi Gras vendor? If you would like to sell Mardi Gras souvenirs or pre-packaged food you'll need a permit from the city of New Orleans. Prices range from $500 to $2,000 depending on whether you'll be walking or have a fixed location. Learn more about permit details. During Mardi Gras, you’ll be doing LOTS of walking. Skip the high heels unless you are attending a masquerade ball. Comfortable shoes make a BIG difference when walking from your vehicle or Mardi Gras beads are a colorful and festive part of the annual celebration in New Orleans, Louisiana. But what do they really mean? Mardi Gras beads are given out to revelers during the parade season leading up to Mardi Gras Day. They are usually made of colorful plastic and are often decorated with images of saints, animals, or other symbols. 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.
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