The Mardi Gras celebration is among the largest and most famous in the world. Carnival in New Orleans has its origins within the Catholic religion. Mardi is the French word for Tuesday, and gras means fat “Fat Tuesday” and refers to the fact that it is the last day to eat everything you want before lent begins. Celebrations are concentrated for about two weeks before and through Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday (the start of Lent in the western Christian tradition). This festivity includes numerous costumes, food, many necklaces, and large parades that run through the streets of the city, making it a spectacular party that you cannot miss.
The history of the carnival
In the United States, Mardi Gras arrived in 1699 at the hands of the French-Canadian explorer, Pierre Le Moyne, Sieur d’Iberville. Le Moyne set up camp about 60 miles downriver from what is now New Orleans and named it Point du Mardi Gras. There are numerous performances, dances, and of course parades; which are affiliated with different organizations.
In 1857, a secret society of New Orleans businessmen called the Mistick Krewe of Comus organized a torch-lit Mardi Gras procession with marching bands and rolling floats, setting the tone for future public celebrations in the city. Since then, krewes have remained a fixture of the Carnival scene throughout Louisiana.
The krewes represent the members of various organizations that celebrate this carnival having their tradition and history. They are made up of a king, a queen, maidens, dukes, and have a captain who leads them during the celebration. Generally, each year the krewe change the theme for the parade; they are inspired by legends, mythology, and the main themes of entertainment.
As the carnival progresses, the celebrations become more intense. Masquerade balls, parades, costumes, throwing beats, decorating floats and drinking are not to be missed.
But Mardi Gras is a family event that is filled with lots of fun and a very natural atmosphere for all ages. Kids can go see the parades and colorful costumes and the fact that the floats distribute many toys and stuffed animals for children and the not-so children. However, there are areas such as the French Quarter or Canal Street, where the celebrations are more intense.
Where is Mardi Gras celebrated?
The holiday of Mardi Gras is celebrated in all of Louisiana, including the city of New Orleans. The holiday does not take place in a specific location in New Orleans, as there are many parades and events in different parts of the city. The most popular areas are the French Quarter, known for its great parties and the vibrant enthusiasm of its inhabitants, and the suburbs of Mandeville or Metairie.
You must try the King Cake!
One of the traditions at Mardi Gras is the King Cake. “Royal cakes” are decorated with purple, green, and gold candies and toppings. There is a small plastic baby hidden in each royal cake. Following tradition, when the King Cake is cut, whoever finds the piece with the baby must organize the next party.
You don’t want to find the plastic baby, but you can’t leave without having a slice of King Cake.
Why do they give away necklaces at Mardi Gras?
All Mardi Gras parades have in common that all the Krewes throw different objects into the crowd. Among them are the necklaces, which are the most famous and coveted article in the carnival. Necklaces traditionally should be purple to represent justice, green to signify faith, and gold to represent power. This tradition seeks to symbolize the rich sharing their wealth with others.
This great carnival is a unique experience in life, a great party that you should not miss.
Experience the excitement of Mardi Gras!
