Learn why people wear masks during Mardi Gras, a festival of indulgence and disguise. Discover the origins, legends and customs of masking in different cultures and societies. The krewe members who climb up onto the dozens of parade floats every year do so with a mask covering their faces, plus what’s typically a satiny suit of pants over a long tunic. So, where 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 It’s safe to say that masks are one of our favorite Mardi Gras traditions. When did the mask tradition start though, and why? Masks have been worn by different societies for centuries. Some groups wear them for rituals, some for celebrations, and still others for the performing arts. Mardi Gras masks in particular originated in ritual Float riders toss beads, cups and doubloons to fans and revelers in the 2013 Krewe of Bacchus Mardi Gras Parade on Feb. 10, 2013, in New Orleans Skip Bolen—Getty Images Beads and Throws Also, Mardi Gras krewes have enjoyed maintaining an element of secrecy (membership in groups may be kept secret; so may the identity of the kings of certain groups, for example, and members of Mardi Gras Indian groups keep their costumes secret until Mardi Gras morning), and a mask certainly helps to maintain such secrecy, enabling people to In previous centuries, it was a tradition for masks to be worn to shield the carnival participants, allowing them to mingle freely and maintain their untarnished reputation. Today, fewer folks wear masks; however, by law, float riders are required to wear a mask in keeping with the mystery and tradition of Mardi Gras. It means fun! Click here to learn the lingo of Mardi Gras. Why do krewe members in parades wear masks? Masking became a tradition because, during early Carnivals, people put on masks to be able to mingle outside their class and keep their reputation untarnished. Iconic Mardi Gras Costumes and Masks. One of the most captivating aspects of Mardi Gras in New Orleans is the elaborate costumes and masks worn by revelers. These costumes are not mere accessories but rather an integral part of the festival’s tradition, allowing participants to shed their inhibitions and fully embrace the spirit of revelry. Mardi Gras Masks New Orleans. Mardi Gras masks are a tradition in New Orleans, and there are many different ways to make them. Some people use feathers, sequins, and beads to make their masks, while others prefer to keep it simple with just a few colors. Mardi Gras masks can be worn with any type of costume, and they are often used to hide one Here's what to know about its popular symbol: the Mardi Gras masks. it’s against the law in Louisiana to wear a mask in public. but krewe (the clubs that put on the various parades and A new signature throw for Excalibur will be an 8-inch hand-decorated Dragon Egg and hand-decorated wooden shields. Excalibur rolls February 21 at 7 p.m. during Family Gras. Krewe of Paws. Mardi Gras has gone to the dogs! The Krewe of Paws will parade Saturday, February 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Olde Town Slidell. A new signature throw for Excalibur will be an 8-inch hand-decorated Dragon Egg and hand-decorated wooden shields. Excalibur rolls February 21 at 7 p.m. during Family Gras. Krewe of Paws. Mardi Gras has gone to the dogs! The Krewe of Paws will parade Saturday, February 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Olde Town Slidell. Each Krewe spends a whole year planning their mardi gras floats and parade themes. They work hard to make sure everything is perfect. “A Krewe is more than an organization – it’s a family of celebration and tradition” – New Orleans Carnival Expert. Exploring mardi gras krewe traditions shows a world of social networking and pride Mardi Gras Sequin Masks & Beads- 12 Face Masks, 36 Necklaces, and The Mardi Gras Krewe Doubloon Amazon Bedwina Mardi Gras Masks - (Pack of 50) Bulk Carnival Masquerade Mask Costume Party Supplies, Feather Mardi Gras Decorations for Women, Men and Kids Amazon Blulu Mardi Gras Masks Paper Masks Carnival Parade Faux Feather Face Masks [] 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 In New Orleans, Mardi Gras is a time-honored tradition of celebrating before the Lenten season. One of the most iconic elements of Mardi Gras are the floats that parade through the streets. But why do we have floats in Mardi Gras parades? There are a few reasons. First, floats add a touch of whimsy and fun to the parade. While the weekslong Carnival celebration in the buildup to Ash Wednesday each year typically conjures up visions of decadent, multi-trailer parade floats, traditional Mardi Gras masks and old-school krewes like the Krewe of Rex and Krewe of Zulu, New Orleans Mardi Gras has become increasingly diverse over the past few years. The Significance of Mardi Gras Masks. Mardi Gras masks hold deep cultural and social significance. They serve as a symbol of freedom, anonymity, and equality. By wearing masks, revelers can step outside their everyday roles and embrace the spirit of revelry and liberation that defines Mardi Gras. It’s safe to say that masks are one of our favorite Mardi Gras traditions. When did the mask tradition start though, and why? Masks have been worn by different societies for centuries. Some groups wear them for rituals, some for celebrations, and still others for the performing arts. Mardi Gras masks in particular originated in ritual
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