Fun facts about Mardi Gras:
Today is Mardi Gras! While some Mardi Gras celebrations have been going on for weeks, today is the official Mardi Gras day, otherwise known as Fat Tuesday, otherwise known as the last day before Lent begins tomorrow. Yes, Mardi Gras is actually historically a Catholic celebration. Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday” which has traditionally been a day for eating rich fatty foods before the Lent season begins, a time where many Catholics give up certain foods. Mardi Gras celebrations begin any time after the Epiphany on Jan 6th, and end today.
Check out some more fun facts about Mardi Gras:
The History of Mardi Gras
The first Mardi Gras in New Orleans was in 1857. It was organized and celebrated by the Krewe of Comus, who were a group over revelers not associated with the Catholic Church.
The Mardi Gras colors of purple, green and gold were actually selected by Grand Duke Alexis Alexandrovitch Romanoff of Russia during a visit to New Orleans in 1872. Purple stands for justice, gold stands for power and green stands for faith.
Mardi Gras Parades
New Orleans is pretty much shut down today because the streets will be filled with parade floats and displays. Parades have actually been going on this year since Feb but today will be the culmination and today will be led by a celebrity who was chosen as the “King of Bacchus.” Last year the king was New Orleans Saints Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees, this year actor Andy Garcia was chosen as the king.
Mardi Gras Food
One staple of Mardi Gras celebrating is something called a King Cake. The cake represents the Epiphany and often has a trinket – a small plastic baby (or bean or king wearing a crown) baked into it. The person who finds the trinket is declared the King or Queen for the day and is generally required to buy the next King Cake.
Mardi Gras Pageantry
Mardi Gras is known for the colorful costumes, beads and masks people wear during the celebration. You can buy them, make them, whatever – there are no rules so long as they are bright and festive!
Mardi Gras Music
New Orleans is all about jazz, any time of the year, but especially at Mardi Gras.
Other Places that Celebrate Mardi Gras
Otherwise known as Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day, Mardi Gras is celebrated all over the world in one way or another. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and almost all of Europe celebrate this holiday.
I’ve never been to Mardi Gras but I have been to New Orleans on the weekend and that was NUTS, so I can imagine how big and boisterous Mardi Gras is.
Have you ever been to New Orleans during Mardi Gras?
If you have did you enjoy it?
If not, do you want to go?
In honor of Mardi Gras, Eversave has a coupon code that gives you $4 off their already great deals. Use promo code MARDIGRAS at checkout.
About Kim
My husband is going to flip when I show him this post. He is always telling people (who care to listen) that his hometown Mobile, AL is the birthplace of Mardi Gras. I’ve been to Mardi Gras in both cities. Mobile’s is more family-friendly while New Orleans is bawdy and rowdy. Both are fun in their own way
France is the birthplace of Mardi Gras. Not stinky Alabama