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Mardi Gras masks are more than just festive accessories—they carry a rich history and cultural significance. Every detail, Mardi Gras color and design tells a story, and the artists who craft 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. Mardi Gras is a tradition that dates back thousands of years to pagan celebrations of spring and fertility, wearing masks, decorating floats and eating King Cake. Did you know? Rex, one of the The origin of wearing masks during Mardi Gras traditionally began with these elite and secret societies known as ‘krewes’. Masks were donned during the parades in order to hide the individuality of the members, removing one’s mask while on a float is strictly considered as bases for being fired from the krewe especially the Zulu and By Anthea Gerrie. October may seem a little early to start planning Mardi Gras costumes, but not in Venice, Italy. Back in the day, the rakes of La Serenissima could hardly wait for October 5, the first day they were allowed to put masks on in the run-up to their version of the pre-Lent celebration they call Carnevale. Mardi Gras masks provide the freedom to hide behind, or embrace, the creature of our choosing, real or made-up—even, in James R Creecy’s words, “manbats from the moon.” 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. Dress the Part: Embrace the spirit of Mardi Gras by wearing colorful costumes or masks. Whether you opt for elaborate attire or simple accessories, dressing up adds to the festive atmosphere. Mardi Gras masks originated in Venice, Italy, where Carnival, or Carnevale, was first celebrated in the Middle Ages and became an official event in the Renaissance and Baroque periods. In Catholicism, Carnival is the time between the Epiphany on January 6 and Ash Wednesday, beginning Lent, 40 days of repentance and self-denial before Easter Sunday. One of the most iconic symbols of Mardi Gras is the decorative mask. Masks have been worn during Mardi Gras celebrations for centuries, adding an air of mystery and excitement to the festivities. In this fun activity, your kids can create their own Mardi Gras masks using traditional colors and decorations. Materials Needed: 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. At the heart of it, Mardi Gras is also a Christian holiday traced to pagan spring and fertility rites dating back thousands of years that has become a popular cultural phenomenon worldwide. And although Mardi Gras is today most closely associated with New Orleans, Louisiana, it is observed in hundreds of cities in more than fifty countries. What does Mardi Gras mean? In French, Mardi means “Tuesday” and gras means “fat.” That’s why the day is also referred to as Fat Tuesday. The word originated in France and was what people used to describe the day before Ash Wednesday, when they would binge on rich foods such as meat, eggs, milk, and cheese before Lent began. What does Mardi Gras mean? Translated to English, "Mardi Gras" means "Fat Tuesday." Mardi is the French word for Tuesday, and gras means "fat." This name comes from the custom of eating all the fatty, rich foods in the house prior to Lent in order to prepare for fasting and abstinence. So, Fat Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. Today, Mardi Gras is celebrated in many different parts of the world, each with its unique flavor and style. While the modern-day Mardi Gras celebrations may differ from their ancient predecessors, the spirit of the holiday remains the same. Mardi Gras is a time to let loose, enjoy life, and revel in the joys of community and camaraderie. The History of Mardi Gras What is the origin of Mardi Gras? Mardi Gras has its origins in medieval Europe, especially in France and Italy. The tradition was brought to the United States by French explorers in the 17th century. It became widely celebrated in New Orleans, Louisiana, where it has grown into the famous festival we know today. 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 And, though the Mardi Gras festivities in New Orleans originated in this Christian tradition, today the celebration is better known as a day for people of all faiths, races, and ethnicities to History of Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras was observed for the first time in the New World by French pioneers at Twenty-Seven Mile Bluff, the first settlement of Mobile way back in 1703. How did Mardi Gras traditions help communities prepare for the Lenten period? By encouraging the use of perishable ingredients before the fasting season. What element of Mardi Gras celebrations involves participants wearing masks and costumes before Lent? The festive atmosphere of Carnival celebrations.
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Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
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