The repetition of the words “Mardi Gras, mambo, mambo, mambo” and “Party Gras, mambo, mambo, mambo” captures the joyous and celebratory nature of Mardi Gras. It is a song that makes you want to dance in the streets and join the festivities. Personally, I first heard this song at a friend’s house during a Mardi Gras-themed party. The Meaning Behind The Song: Mardi Gras Mambo by Hawketts Mardi Gras Mambo is a timeless song that embodies the spirit and excitement of the Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans. Originally recorded by the Hawketts in 1954, this catchy tune has become an anthem for the festive season. The song’s lyrics, playful melody, and [] "Mardi Gras Mambo" is a Mardi Gras-themed song written by Frankie Adams and Lou Welsch. The song's best known version was recorded in 1954 by the Hawketts , whose membership included Art Neville , a founding member of the Meters and the Neville Brothers . Another iconic song for Fat Tuesday is “Mardi Gras Mambo,” written in 1953 by Frankie Adams and Lou Welsch, and originally recorded as a country song by Jodie Levens. In 1954 it was recorded by The Hawketts, a group of New Orleans teenagers that featured 17-year-old Art Neville (who later became the lead vocalist of The Meters before “Mardi Gras rumba, mardi gras rumba, doesn’t quite sound right,” Kunian said. What makes it a rumba is the rhythms and calypso beats, which are different than a mambo! While watching Mardi Gras indians parade and dance in the early 1950s, he hurriedly wrote down a phonetic interpretation of the indian’s chants, put the chants to music, and in 1953, created one of the most popular, longest lasting Mardi Gras, or “Carnival,” as it’s often called, songs in existence. **Celebrating the music of New Orleans for Mardi Gras week** If I had to pick just one song heard throughout the city of New Orleans in the days and weeks leading up to Mardi Gras, that was both the most ubiquitous and the most universally adored, I think it would have to be this one: ‘Mardi Gras Mambo’ by The Hawketts. Everybody loves it. It is celebrated on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent — the 40 day period of abstinence that leads up to Easter, hence the themes of indulgence that remain even in modern-day Mardi Gras celebrations. In fact, Mardi Gras translates to "Fat Tuesday" in French (via History). Meaning of mardi gras mambo. What does mardi gras mambo mean? Information and translations of mardi gras mambo in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions Swinging in New Orleans. Youtube Instagram Facebook. Home; Watch; Blog; Contact Us What Does Mardi Gras Mean? Mardi is the French word for Tuesday, and gras means “fat.” In France, the day before Ash Wednesday came to be known as Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday.” 8. How long does Mardi Gras last? Mardi Gras season begins on Epiphany (January 6th) and lasts until Fat Tuesday, which is the day before Ash Wednesday. 9. What is the best way to experience Mardi Gras in New Orleans? The best way is to plan ahead, watch a few major parades, attend a masquerade ball, and explore the French Quarter’s LYRICS: “Mardi Gras Mambo” VIDEOS: The Hawketts, Mardi Gras Mambo | About Mardi Gras Mambo | Mardi Gras Mambo – Instrument | Mambo Beat | Mardi Gras Mambo – Vocal . INTRODUCTION. Display slides 3 and 4 of the presentation Mardi Gras Mambo to observe Carnival parade pictures while listening to The Hawketts, “Mardi Gras Mambo.” "Mardi Gras Mambo" is a Mardi Gras-themed song written by Frankie Adams and Lou Welsch.The song's best known version was recorded in 1954 by the Hawketts, whose membership included Art Neville, a founding member of the Meters and the Neville Brothers. 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. Mardi Gras is the climax of Carnival season and is celebrated the day before the Christian season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. In French, Mardi Gras means “Fat Tuesday,” another name for The Mardi Gras season known as "Carnival" commences on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025 and concludes on Fat Tuesday, March 4, 2025. When is Mardi Gras? Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras, will take place on March 4 Mardi Gras was celebrated soon after the city of New Orleans was founded in 1718, but was briefly banned when the Spanish took control of New Orleans until Louisiana became a U.S. state in 1812 Mardi Gras is a festive day celebrated in France on Shrove Tuesday (the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday), which marks the close of the pre-Lenten season. The French name Mardi Gras means Fat Tuesday, from the custom of using all the fats in the home before Lent. The feud over who does Carnival better has been a rivalry for the ages between Mobile, the city that celebrated Mardi Gras in the U.S. first, and New Orleans, the city that touts having perfected the extravaganza.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |