New Orleans Mardi Gras costumes have more in common with “those of Nice, France, and Venice, Italy, both cities with longstanding Carnival traditions,” Smith said. 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 They show the true spirit of Mardi Gras. The Art of Masquerade and Costume Culture. Step into the enchanting world of Mardi Gras costumes. Here, creativity and tradition come together in a dazzling display. Mardi gras costumes are more than clothes; they turn people into living works of art filled with joy and imagination. Before understanding why we dress up during this holiday, it is crucial to know its origins. Mardi Gras is a tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages. The name “Mardi Gras” means “Fat Tuesday” in French, which is the last day before the start of Lent, a period of fasting and penance that lasts 40 days before Easter in Christian 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. All about the history behind five of New Orleans' favorite Mardi Gras traditions: krewes, masks, beads, king cake and the Mardi Gras colors. But masking and costume-wearing in New Orleans also Mardi Gras is a Christian holiday and popular cultural phenomenon that dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility rites. costume balls and a tradition that empowers women to The first true origins of colorful costumes during Mardi Gras lay in 1827 when a group of students “danced through the streets of New Orleans” in colorful and fun costumes, influencing the outfits people would eventually wear a decade from then during the first recorded Mardi Gras parade. The origins of Mardi Gras colors, however, can be Mardi Gras is a traditional festival that is celebrated in many parts of the world but is most commonly associated with New Orleans. The festival typically involves parades, costumes, and balls, and often includes a large amount of alcohol consumption. Traditional Mardi Gras costumes usually consist of brightly colored clothing, masks, and feathers. Many people Mardi Gras is about music, parades, picnics, floats and excitement. It's one big holiday in New Orleans! Revelers know to wear costumes or at least dress in purple, green, and gold, and adorn themselves with long beads caught from the floats of previous parades. 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 rooted in religious traditions, Mardi Gras serves as a final opportunity to enjoy rich foods, drink, and revelry before the fasting and solemnity of Lent. 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 Costume vs. Mardi Gras Clothes. Photo Credits: Julie Clements. We think of Mardi Gras themed clothing as being different from actual Mardi Gras costumes. Mardi Gras outfits tend to just focus on the Mardi Gras colors and maybe some accessories like beads, but a full-on Mardi Gras costume is a whole other level! The Weird Reason Bridesmaids All Wear the Same Color at Weddings. 40 Vintage Halloween Costumes That Could Still Be Worn Today To uncover the fascinating world of Mardi Gras masks, we spoke In this blog post, we’ll show you 27+ Mardi Gras costume ideas that will make you the center of attention at any parade or party. From regal kings and queens to playful jesters and pirates, we’ve got the perfect look to match your Mardi Gras spirit. 🎨💜💚💛 Over time, the festivities evolved into Mardi Gras as we know it today. The first Mardi Gras parade was held in New Orleans by the Krewe of Comus in 1857, and in 1870, Mardi Gras’ second Krewe, the Twelfth Night Revelers, began tossing “throws” (more on these iconic parts of Mardi Gras later). 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. They also help to catch the attention of spectators lining the parade route. But more importantly, floats play an important role in Mardi Gras history. In the early days of the festival, floats were used as a way The surprising Catholic history behind a peculiar Jewish tradition . If Purim is the most joyous of Jewish holidays, it’s also the strangest. If you were to mash up a prayer service with Halloween, vaudeville, Thanksgiving dinner, happy hour, the chaotic energy of Paw Patrol and then added a splash of RuPaul’s Drag Race, you’d get something like a Purim celebration. It’s one the largest personal collections of Mardi Gras costumes in the city, and it tells the story of the walking clubs, masquerade balls, Mardi Gras Indians, krewe royalty, Social Aid and Pleasure clubs, and Cajun Mardi Gras. The museum’s costume closet is massive, and it does rentals, with prices starting as low as $75. Fifi Mahony’s Mardi Gras is a time-honored celebration with roots stretching back to Ancient Rome. On the glittering streets of New Orleans, fantasy meets reality as celebrants don their most extravagant costumes and enjoy an over-the-top season packed with parties, rich Mardi Gras foods, and festive drinks before entering into the more somber, reflective, fasting period of Lent.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |