There are many ideas to what Mardi Gras is about. Some think its a way of life, some think its all about the parades, while others think its all about the booze and the beads. Think you know what its all about? We might change that with these 9 things you didn’t know about Mardi Gras.
Carnival Seasons Begin Earlier Than You Might Think
In New Orleans, carnival season begins on Epiphany, also known as Three Kings Day. Many smaller parades are hosted leading up to the 12-day parading period. But the last five days make up the main celebration weekend (from Thursday night until the morning of Fat Tuesday) when the largest parades run back-to-back.
The Reason Beads Are Thrown?
Legend has it in the 1880s, a man dressed like Santa Claus received such fame throwing beads, that other krewes followed suit.
Mardi Gras is More Than New Orleans
Celebrate Mardi Gras in St Louis MO ,Galveston Island TX, Gulf Coast MS, Mobile AL, Dallas Tx, Pensacola Fl, San Diego Ca,and many other places. Mardi Gras is also celebrated all over the world including many locations in Europe and massive celebrations are found in Brazil every year!
Mardi Gras Is A Legal Holiday
Mardi Gras is a legal holiday in Louisiana, and has been since 1875, when Governor Warmoth signed the “Mardi Gras Act.”
THE TRADITION OF PARADING DATES BACK TO 1856
Historians believe Mardi Gras arrived in North America in 1699 and then spread to New Orleans in 1718. The Mistick Krewe of Comus was the first to roll floats about 60 miles from New Orleans in 1856. Krewe of Rex was the first of the type of parade krewes we see today.
Mardi Gras Indians Are More Secretive About Their Parade Schedules
While the parade schedule is always posted ahead of time along with the route a krewe is taking, you won’t see any Mardi Gras Indians (African-American revelers who dress in garb inspired by Native American ceremonial outfits) on the list.
If You Want To Keep The Mardi Gras Family Friendly, Avoid The French Quarter
While common perception may be that Mardi Gras is one wild party, it’s actually a great event for family bonding. Many tourists go to the French Quarter, which is known to be more rowdy, but find yourself a spot along the parade route uptown and you’ll be surrounded by friendly faces of all ages. And yes, kids get the most beads!
Masked Mayhem
Masks are a huge part of Mardi Gras. So big, in fact, that not wearing one can get you arrested. Although mask wearing started out as a ploy for concealing identities and getting away with mischief, today it is a law that float riders must wear masks.
Pancake Party
Waiting all year long to spoil yourself can be sweetly satisfying. Since Mardi Gras translates to ” Fat Tuesday” in French, the holiday marks the last day before Lent fasting and encourages treating yourself with abundant food and drink. In the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia, passionate partyers celebrate Mardi Gras as Pancake Day, or the last day of Lent, when Christians traditionally indulge in plentiful pancakes.