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Mardi Gras is bursting with vibrant traditions, and few are as iconic as attending parades, indulging in delicious and colorful king cakes and donning elaborate Mardi Gras masks. But have you ever Mardi Gras masks in particular originated in ritual celebrations. New Orleans has been celebrating Mardi Gras for hundreds of years, and is the largest masked party in North America. In the beginning, masks worn during Mardi Gras allowed wearers to escape society and class constraints. History of Mardi Gras masks. If you find yourself in New Orleans, watching the Mardi Gras parade, you’ll see many people wearing Mardi Gras masks. You may be surprised to find out that wearing masks is one of the original Mardi Gras traditions. The Mardi Gras mask history dates back to the very first Mardi Gras celebrations. 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 Venetian masks are some of the most popular and recognizable, and it is obvious that Mardi Gras draws inspiration from them. There are even entire stores in Louisiana dedicated to masks, most notable of which being Maskarade in New Orleans. Located only a minute away from the St. Louis Cathedral, it is home to a huge selection of Mardi Gras masks. Wherever Mardi Gras is celebrated, the mask is key. Behind the best masks, they can’t tell whether you are laughing or crying. They can’t tell how absolutely drunk you are. The mask helps erase consequence. “Riders want folks to say, ‘Well, I didn’t see you on Mardi Gras!,’” claims Iota Louisiana mask-maker Jackie Miller. Mardi Gras is a tradition that dates back thousands a secret society of New Orleans businessmen called the Mistick Krewe of Comus organized a torch-lit Mardi Gras procession with marching The masks are decorated with feathers, beads, and shimmering purple and gold (a nod to the spirit of New Orleans and the upcoming Mardi Gras celebration). Why Are Masks Worn At Mardi Gras? People wear masks to show their respect and to keep their reputation as untarnished as possible during early carnivals. Most king or queen names are kept 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 New Orleans version of Mardi Gras is renowned for its parades, floats, masks, beads, and elaborate costumes, and it draws millions of visitors from around the world each year. The Rise of Krewes One of the defining features of Mardi Gras in New Orleans is the krewes , or social organizations, that are responsible for organizing the parades There are many factors that play into deciding which masquerade mask you’ll want to wear to an event; the occasion, your outfit, and the image you want to convey are the three main factors to consider. Here, we’ll guide you through the different types of masquerade masks to help you decide which mask is right for you. The Bauta 7. Why do some people wear masks during Mardi Gras? Wearing masks allows people to enjoy the festival anonymously and is a long-standing tradition that adds mystery and excitement to the celebration. 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 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 While New Orleans is famous for its big Mardi Gras celebrations, other places in the world celebrate, too! Brazil – In Brazil, Mardi Gras is called Carnival, and they have huge parades with samba dancers and amazing costumes. France – Since Mardi Gras started in France, they still celebrate with food, music, and dancing! The Mardi Gras traditions show off New Orleans’ rich culture. Get ready to be wowed by the creativity and passion that make this celebration so special! The Rich History Behind Mardi Gras Celebrations. The history of Mardi Gras is a captivating story that spans centuries and continents. It started as a simple feast before Lent in medieval Europe. Throws include Mardi Gras masks, hats, fanny packs, reusable totes, collapsible dog bowls, wooden medallion necklaces, earrings and packets of red beans and jambalaya, an eco-friendly bubble kit and more.
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