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In fact, Mardi Gras, aka Fat Tuesday, has a long history that predates the colonization of the U.S., and actually started in medieval Europe.In New Orleans, the celebration of Mardi Gras started The first Mardi Gras was held by French settlers on March 3, 1699, in Mobile, Alabama, once the capital of the Louisiana territory. In the late 1820s, the custom of dressing in colorful costumes Well, they are exactly what they sound like - items that krewe members on floats throw to parade-goers as the floats pass by! Throws often include doubloons, beads, cups, homemade trinkets, toys and more! Mardi Gras throws are strings of beads, doubloons, cups, or other trinkets passed out or thrown from the floats for Mardi Gras celebrations, particularly in New Orleans, the Mobile, Alabama, and parades throughout the Gulf Coast of the United States, to spectators lining the streets. The "gaudy plastic jewelry, toys, and other mementos [are 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 In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history and significance of Mardi Gras beads, including their cultural origins and what they symbolize. We’ll also explore the different types of beads you can expect to see at Mardi Gras and why they are such a sought-after prize for party-goers. Each year, more than 1 million people descend on New Orleans for Mardi Gras, an organized parade of debauchery and alcohol-induced torpor where plastic beads are tossed as a kind of currency. Mardi Gras beads meaning. One of the most common parade throws are Mardi Gras beads. A krewe called the Rex Organization introduced these beaded necklaces in 1921. When they were first introduced, the beads were made of glass and hand knotted on necklaces. Though they began as glass, most of the Mardi Gras beads you see thrown today are made of The beads and other throws are not just random trinkets, but they actually hold a more profound meaning related to the festive spirit of Mardi Gras. Moreover, the tradition of throwing and catching beads is also about having fun, connecting with others, and collecting as many tokens of the festivities as possible to remember the experience. Today, beads are by far the most popular Mardi Gras parade throws. They're sold year round as a symbol of New Orleans' French Quarter, where Mardi Gras reaches its most raucous heights. In other parts of the city, parades are festive family events and balls are lavish and elegant, but on Bourbon Street (which isn't actually part of the parade 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 The thing to remember when it comes to celebrating Mardi Gras is that flashing for beads isn’t considered a tradition by the locals, so, obviously, you don’t have to feel pressured to do it. Sadly, many bystanders caught in this crowd will never return to Mardi Gras, because they don't realize they did not experience the "real" Mardi Gras. The flashing for beads and related behavior does not occur in other areas of the city. Whenever we have a foolish urge to head to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, we do what most wise people would: have a Sazerac and wait it out. Judy Weitz: I just had to respond to your comments about Mardi Gras here in New Orleans. Mardi Gras is a Christian holiday and popular cultural phenomenon that dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility rites. It's most famously celebrated with parades in New Orleans Strain says the team was surprised that 3D-printed Mardi Gras beads have not yet become commonplace. “I think it's because it's such a Louisiana-specific concept to have Mardi Gras beads that it hasn't really been developed further,” she says. Putting the "mmm" in Mardi Gras The handing out of food along parade routes actually pre-dates modern Mardi Gras parades, to the rowdy processions of the 1930s, with masked paraders on foot They introduced the official Mardi Gras colors. 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 While other “throws” like stuffed animals, toys, cups, hats, etc have grown in popularity, beads still reign supreme at Mardi Gras. Though they are inexpensive to purchase in bulk, plastic beads take on special meaning during the Carnival season and are intricately woven into the fabric of the celebration. Over time, the tradition of throwing beads to the crowds evolved, and they became a staple of Mardi Gras celebrations. The Early Years of Mardi Gras Beads. The early Mardi Gras beads were made from glass and were often decorated with intricate designs and patterns. They were initially used to decorate floats and other parade vehicles, but soon
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Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
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