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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 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 There will be plenty of parades in New Orleans leading up to Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday. on March 4. Here's what you need to know. The first Mardi Gras parade held in New Orleans is recorded to have taken place in 1833 with Bernard de Marigny funding the first organized parade, tableau, and ball. The tradition in New Orleans expanded to the point that it became synonymous with the city in popular perception, and embraced by residents of New Orleans beyond those of French Krewes, parades, and souvenirs. Mardi Gras celebrations feature parades that kick off as early as January, while the largest parades happen on Fat Tuesday, according to Webber from Grambling State. The first ball was held in 1857 by the Mistick Krewe of Comus. Comus hosted the first parade, followed by Rex in 1872, which debuted the king of Mardi Gras. The Rex parade gave Mardi Gras the official colors of purple to represent justice, green to represent faith, and gold to represent power. The three colors were to represent the “king.” This period is filled with citywide revelry and elaborate parades, both day and night, building up to Mardi Gras and the Rex parade. Beads of gold, green, and purple (representing power, faith, and justice , respectively) are commonly distributed, and the eating of king cake is an iconic part of the celebration. In 2025, Mardi Gras falls on Tuesday, March 4. Mardi Gras—just one of the festival’s many names—is marked by raucous parties and parades, revelers wearing elaborate costumes, and delicious What does Mardi Gras mean? Translated to English, "Mardi Gras" means "Fat Tuesday." Mardi is the French word for Tuesday, and gras means "fat." This name comes from the custom of eating all the fatty, rich foods in the house prior to Lent in order to prepare for fasting and abstinence. So, Fat Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. What does Mardi Gras mean? In French, Mardi means “Tuesday” and gras means “fat.” That’s why the day is also referred to as Fat Tuesday. The word originated in France and was what people used to describe the day before Ash Wednesday, when they would binge on rich foods such as meat, eggs, milk, and cheese before Lent began. There’s nothing quite like Mardi Gras in New Orleans. One of the world’s most iconic celebrations – and definitely one of the most well-known experiences in New Orleans – Mardi Gras is a mix of parades, music, food, and local culture that takes over the city for an experience like no other. In addition, some of the Mardi Gras organizations have events outside of their actual parade where sponsors can participate. These include Zulu’s Lundi Gras Festival , Endymion’s big bash before their parade, Metairie’s “ Family Gras ”, and the ticketed extravaganzas held after some of our parades (such as Bacchus, Endymion, Orpheus). There will be plenty of parades around New Orleans for the last few days of the carnival season leading up to Mardi Gras on Tuesday March 4. They even have a few parades for dog lovers after Mardi Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, is a vibrant celebration filled with parades, music, and colorful costumes. But what exactly is Mardi Gras, and why is it celebrated? Mardi Gras marks the last day before Lent, a period of fasting and reflection for many 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 Why does New Orleans celebrate Mardi Gras? Although it is a Christian holiday now, Mardi Gras is a holiday that dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility rites, according to the 1. It Starts in January. Mardi Gras in Pensacola actually kicks off on “the twelfth day of Christmas,” as the song says. While Pensacola doesn’t stick strictly to that date, the season officially starts on the first Saturday in January with a fantastic street party on Palafox Place in downtown Pensacola complete with a reverse parade and plenty of colorful krewe members. Everything you need to know about Mardi Gras 2025, including why it's celebrated, when Fat Tuesday 2025 takes place and more. In addition, some of the Mardi Gras organizations have events outside of their actual parade where sponsors can participate. These include Zulu’s Lundi Gras Festival , Endymion’s big bash before their parade, Metairie’s “ Family Gras ”, and the ticketed extravaganzas held after some of our parades (such as Bacchus, Endymion, Orpheus). Why does New Orleans celebrate Mardi Gras? Although it is a Christian holiday now, Mardi Gras is a holiday that dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility rites, according to the
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