Mardi Gras comes to a close on Tuesday night, and soon, those who celebrate will exclaim “Laissez les bons temps rouler,” or “Let the good times roll” for the last time this Carnival season. 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 origins of Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras traces its roots to ancient Roman festivals like Saturnalia, which involved feasting and revelry. With the advent of Christianity, these traditions were adapted into Carnival—a period of indulgence before the austerity of Lent. Mardi Gras specifically refers to the day before Ash Wednesday, when people While Mardi Gras is celebrated around the world, few places are more synonymous with the holiday than New Orleans. The city has been celebrating Mardi Gras since the 18th Century, when the Baton Rouge offers visitors a unique Mardi Gras celebration. Visit Baton Rouge. New Orleans rules the roost when it comes to all things Mardi Gras, celebrated in elaborate style each year on Fat 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. Mardi Gras celebrates the last day of Carnival before Lent, but its roots go all the way back to pagan spring festivals thousands of years ago. The day has similarities to the raucous Roman festivals of Saturnalia and Lupercalia. Of all the American cities to throw one last celebration before Lent, New Orleans is the best known, thanks to its full-throated carnival on “Fat Tuesday,” or Mardi Gras. Culture Trip takes a look at the traditions and quirks of this famous festival to give you a better understanding of just how integral it is to Louisiana culture. 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. The French colonists who followed over the proceeding decades introduced the "Galette des Rois," or king cake, which is how it became a New Orleanian symbol. King Cakes are more than just a tasty treat; they symbolize the spirit of the season and are a fun way for friends and families to come together during Mardi Gras. Why Do We Celebrate Mardi Gras? The celebration of Mardi Gras has evolved over the centuries, but at its core, it remains a celebration of life, community, and indulgence. Originally Kingsland held its 31st annual Mardi Gras celebration featuring more than 200 vendors and a parade with more than 40 floats. Photo/Blue Bayou via Facebook. The Blue Bayou is bringing “The Big Easy” to Chicago this Mardi Gras weekend with crawfish, cocktails, and cabaret!. The party kicks off on Saturday, March 1 with a crawfish boil in the afternoon, followed by an official Mardi Gras party and burlesque show in the evening. It’s a celebration of life, creativity, and the rich cultural heritage of the festival. Get ready to have a blast in your own Mardi Gras celebration! Grab these cute Mardi Gras designs to elevate your celebrations. Related Resources. Best Mardi Gras Recipes to Spice Up Your Celebration; Dazzling Mardi Gras Fashion Trends for 2025 70 Songs For Your Mardi Gras Playlist. Traditional Mardi Gras Classics. Mardi Gras Mambo by The Hawketts The ultimate Mardi Gras anthem. Go to the Mardi Gras by Professor Longhair A quintessential New Orleans piano-driven classic. Second Line (Part 1) by Stop, Inc. Perfect for parades and dancing. Big Chief by Professor Longhair Celebrates There will be plenty of parades in New Orleans leading up to Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday. on March 4. And, in the U.S. although it is celebrated in other cities like Mobile, Alabama The 507 Mardi Gras Party is open to all ages with free entry to the first 100 guests and anyone 12 years old or younger. After that, $10 per person. There’s a cash bar –or get the unlimited Mardi Gras drink package! Details and tickets here The mile-long Mardi Gras Parade at The Wharf is the largest in the District. Photo: Courtesy The Wharf New Orleans made Mardi Gras famous, but it's not the only place where carnival is celebrated. In the U.S., cities like Mobile, Alabama and Galveston, Texas have their own traditions. Numerous countries with a Christian heritage also host pre-Lenten festivals. Mardi Gras, the pre-Lent celebration of extravagance and excess, is next Tuesday, March 4. Even if a trip to New Orleans isn't in the cards for you, you can still celebrate in style with our list of places to get king cake, paçzki, and other specials from local businesses like Island Soul Rum Bar & Soul Shack and Bakery Nouveau, plus events like Fremont's charming Petit Troll Parade. Best of all, they're served warm, just like in Nola. Keep The Mardi Gras Party Going. 25 Mardi Gras Desserts That'll Transport You To Bourbon Street; Traditional (& Not So Traditional!) Mardi Gras
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |