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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 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 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. 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 Mardi Gras beads have become more than just a fun trinket thrown during parades; they also play a significant role in the collecting and souvenir culture of the festival. You might have noticed that people strive to collect as many bead necklaces as possible, flaunting their colorful collections around their necks. 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. Most krewes have medallion beads that feature that year's theme. Other popular throws include cups (otherwise known as New Orleans dinnerware), long pearl beads and stuffed animals. Some throws even light up. Rarer beads have higher value and can be used to barter for better viewing spaces along the route, access into private parties, and favors such as kisses blown from float riders. Beads Reign Supreme. While other “throws” like stuffed animals, toys, cups, hats, etc have grown in popularity, beads still reign supreme at Mardi Gras. 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 In the '70s and '80s aluminum and plastic beads became ubiquitous at Mardi Gras parades. Logically we can assume it's because they're cheaper, easier to mass produce and less likely to injure 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 Orpheus (Monday before Mardi Gras): Known for creative floats and sought-after throws like four-foot stuffed dragons and custom-decorated tambourines. Zulu (Mardi Gras Day): Beloved for its unique throws, including the iconic hand-decorated coconuts. Rex (Mardi Gras Day): One of the oldest and most traditional parades, featuring a regal A: Aluminum or wooden coins thrown from floats during Mardi Gras parades. Q: What does “throwing beads” refer to during Mardi Gras? A: The tradition of tossing necklaces and other trinkets to parade watchers. Q: Which Mardi Gras parade is known for its “signature” masks? A: The Krewe of Zulu Parade Q: How much does it cost to go to Mardi Gras? It's free! Not only that, but you'll leave with bags of Mardi Gras beads and throws. That's why we call it the "Greatest Free Show on Earth!" Q: I only have limited time. What is the prime time to visit during Mardi Gras? The weekend before Fat Tuesday is the prime time to visit New Orleans for 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. Q: How much does it cost to go to Mardi Gras? It's free! Not only that, but you'll leave with bags of Mardi Gras beads and throws. That's why we call it the "Greatest Free Show on Earth!" Q: I only have limited time. What is the prime time to visit during Mardi Gras? The weekend before Fat Tuesday is the prime time to visit New Orleans for 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. The Final Beads. Mardi Gras isn't just a party; it's a cultural phenomenon with deep roots and vibrant traditions. From its origins in ancient Rome to the colorful parades in New Orleans, this celebration has evolved into something truly unique. Mardi Gras is seen as the last day to have fun and sin before this period of moderation starts. Even though usually the participants of Mardi Gras and lent probably don't overlap very much that's where the tradition comes from.
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