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Throws often include doubloons, beads, cups, homemade trinkets, toys and more! The throwing of trinkets to the crowds was started in the early 1870s by the Twelfth Night Revelers, and is a time-honored expectation for young and old alike. In 1884, Rex started using medallions instead of trinkets. It wasn’t until 1875 that Mardi Gras became an official holiday in Louisiana, though there is evidence of it being celebrated as far back as 1699, when French explorers named a bank on a river Flashing for beads started sometime in the 1970s when young people who flocked to New Orleans lost their inhibitions in the Carnival atmosphere, but native New Orleaneans are quick to point out that the true Mardi Gras takes place throughout the city and its suburbs, not on Bourbon Street. All about the history behind five of New Orleans' favorite Mardi Gras traditions: krewes, masks, beads, king cake and the Mardi Gras colors. In New Orleans, the celebration of Mardi Gras started 300 years ago. People only started throwing out favors during the 1840s, though, and it wasn’t until the 1880s that glass beads became a Japanese mercury glass beads, made during WWII, were the first Mardi Gras beads, followed by crystal beads made in Czechoslovakia. Then, in the 1960s, plastic came onto the scene and beads became longer, bigger, and customizable for each krewe. By the late 1800s, the tossing of trinkets was already an established part of Mardi Gras parade custom. But it was a few more years before we can be sure beads were part of the picture. But Mardi Gras is an entire season, often called Carnival. It begins 12 days after Christmas on Jan. 6 and lasts until Fat Tuesday, or the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. When did Mardi Gras start in America? The very first American Mardi Gras celebration took place in March 1699 after two French settlers landed near present-day New Orleans and brought their traditions with them. Mardi Gras beads. A 'throw' is the collective term used for the objects that are thrown from floats to parade-goers. Until the 1960s, the most common form was multi-colored strings of glass beads made in Czechoslovakia. Mardi Gras occurs right before the start of the 40-day season Christians call Lent. It's a time of reflection and fasting leading up to Easter Sunday. With several weeks of Lent ahead, it became common for people to celebrate and overindulge themselves the day before. Two additional dates of historic importance in New Orleans Mardi Gras lore are 1875, the year the State of Louisiana declared Mardi Gras a legal state holiday, and 1889, the year of the first documented reference of women exposing their breasts at the event, reported by a Times-Democrat reporter who observed, “the degree of immodesty 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 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. 144PCS Mardi Gras Beads, Mardi Gras Green Purple Gold Metallic Beads Necklaces Accessories Bulk, Mardi Gras Beads Necklace Costumes Women Men Kids for Parade Throws Party Decorations Favor Supplies 4.6 out of 5 stars 184 A brief history of Mardi Gras – find out how this tradition with beads started A look at Mardi Gras roots By Nick Hilden Updated February 5, 2024 Save Skip Bolen / Getty Images Q: Mardi Gras celebrations have been held annually in New Orleans since which year? A: 1857. Q: What is the significance of the date of Mardi Gras? A: It is the last day before the start of Lent in the Christian calendar. Q: In which country did the tradition of Mardi Gras originate? A: France. Q: What famous Mardi Gras event was first held in Mardi Gras Trivia. Did you know these fun facts? Mardi Gras, meaning “Fat Tuesday” in French, is a day to indulge in rich foods before the fasting of Lent. New Orleans bursts into a kaleidoscope of parades, costumes, and beads during its world-famous Mardi Gras celebrations. Olivia Dunne's mother Katherine recently made her feelings known after attending her first Mardi Gras parade on March 1, 2025. Mardi Gras attendees throw beads to people on the street in the French Quarter on Feb. 21, 2023 in New Orleans. Grab your king cake and masquerade masks: Mardi Gras is arriving particularly early
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