Gallery
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
Mardi Gras is traditionally celebrated on “Fat Tuesday,” the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent. In many areas, however, Mardi Gras has evolved into a week-long festival. Mardi The first year that Mardi Gras was celebrated on a grand scale in Galveston was 1871 with the emergence of two rival Mardi Gras societies, or "Krewes" called the Knights of Momus (known only by the initials "K.O.M.") and the Knights of Myth, both of which devised night parades, masked balls, exquisite costumes and elaborate invitations. The History & Traditions of Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras has been celebrated in Louisiana since the 18th century, brought by French settlers. Today’s traditions stem from European carnival customs mixed with local culture, creating a uniquely New Orleans spectacle. 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. By the late 1830s, New Orleans held street processions of maskers with carriages and horseback riders to celebrate Mardi Gras. Dazzling gaslight torches, or " flambeaux , " lit the way for the krewe's members and lent each event an exciting air of romance and festivity. While Mardi Gras is celebrated around the world, few places are more synonymous with the holiday than New Orleans. The all-male krewe has been staging Mardi Gras events in New Orleans since Mardi Gras is so much more special when you understand what you’re celebrating and what each tradition means to the generations of parade-goers who have stood on parade routes before you. There is a story and a purpose behind everything you’ll experience during Carnival Time – from the king cake you’ll eat to the flambeaux who light the Mardi Gras, meaning “Fat Tuesday” in French, is one of the most vibrant celebrations in France. Marking the culmination of the Carnival season, it’s a time for indulgence, creativity, and community spirit. Let’s dive into its origins, folklore, modern festivities, and culinary delights. The origins of Mardi Gras Why is Mardi Gras celebrated? Mardi Gras is celebrated in many countries around the world, though mainly in places with large Roman Catholic populations. It's believed that Mardi Gras emerged from the wild ancient Roman festivals of Saturnalia and Lupercalia. These pagan celebrations involved days of feasting, masquerading, dancing, and drinking. Mardi Gras Colors. In 1872, Rex, the king of Carnival, proclaimed the official colors of Mardi Gras to be purple, green and gold. While Arthur Hardy believes they were probably chosen simply because they looked good together, Rex assigned a meaning to the colors in his 1892 parade titled Symbolism of Colors: Purple represents justice, green stands for faith, and gold signifies power. 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, appearing in movies, music, and literature. The celebration of Mardi Gras has evolved over the centuries, but at its core, it remains a celebration of life, community, and indulgence. Originally rooted in religious traditions, Mardi Gras serves as a final opportunity to enjoy rich foods, drink, and revelry before the fasting and solemnity of Lent. Celebrate Mardi Gras 2025 in Tulsa with a range of lively events, including mardi gras parades, parties, live music, and delicious food. Join in the celebration and let the good times roll! Celebrate Mardi Gras 2025 in Sacramento with a range of lively events, including mardi gras parades, parties, live music, and delicious food. Join in the celebration and let the good times roll! Celebrate Mardi Gras 2025 in Sarasota with a range of lively events, including mardi gras parades, parties, live music, and delicious food. Join in the celebration and let the good times roll! Celebrate Mardi Gras 2025 in Austin with a range of lively events, including mardi gras parades, parties, live music, and delicious food. Join in the celebration and let the good times roll! Celebrate Mardi Gras 2025 in Dallas with a range of lively events, including mardi gras parades, parties, live music, and delicious food. Join in the celebration and let the good times roll! Celebrate Mardi Gras 2025 in Cincinnati with a range of lively events, including mardi gras parades, parties, live music, and delicious food. Join in the celebration and let the good times roll! Celebrate Mardi Gras 2025 in Miami with a range of lively events, including mardi gras parades, parties, live music, and delicious food. Join in the celebration and let the good times roll! Mardi Gras is a celebration that’s open to all—it’s even family-friendly. Here’s what you need to know about Mardi Gras, including where to stay, what to eat and can’t-miss events
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |