Mardi Gras, Shrove Tuesday, or Fat Tuesday- a day to feast and celebrate. Mardi Gras falls a day before Ash Wednesday and 47 days before Easter. Well, the dates for Mardi Gras change every year, depending on Easter, and this year, it will be celebrated on the 13th of Feb 2024.
‘Mardi Gras’ is a French term, that translates to Fat Tuesday, when people indulge themselves in the delights such as eggs, milk, and cheese before preparing for Lent (40 days of fasting before Easter).
The city of New Orleans is known for its grand festivity during Mardi Gras. While this day of feasting is observed globally in many cities, people love how New Orleans adorns the vibrant hues of the festival and drowns in the merry-making.
What is Mardi Gras: Understanding its History
The history of Mardi Gras dates back thousands of years when it was a day to celebrate spring and fertility in Rome. There are many stories related to the Mardi Gras, but today, it has become a day for pagan celebrations and merry-making. It was the French Canadian explorer, Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville, who introduced Mardi Gras to the North Americans.
However, the entire history of Mardi Gras in New Orleans is unknown, but it dates back to the 1700s- 1800s. By the 1730s, people in New Orleans were celebrating Mardi Gras openly without any parades. It was in 1781 when the city had a grand carnival for the first time.
How New Orleans Celebrates Mardi Gras?
The city of New Orleans starts preparation to welcome Mardi Gras from the Twelfth Night- ending the festival season 12 days after Christmas. This means the carnival starts on the 6th of Jan and lasts until Fat Tuesday. There are parades, and parties hosted in the city to make it grand and memorable. The city is all donned in the traditional colors of purple, gold, and green. Now these are not random, every color represents something- purple for justice, gold for power, and green for faith. Even the glazed and frosted pastries are decorated with this trio shade. The circular and braided shape resembles the crown of the king.
Parades are the main attraction of Mardi Gras starting from the 12th night till Ash Wednesday. Nothing can stop the parade until the weather conditions are severe. It was only during the COVID the Mardi Gras Parade was not organized. The French Quarter is crowded with people peeping through the streets, balconies, and windows. It's an experience that lures many travelers to witness the magnificent festivity.
Fun Facts Related to Mardi Gras in New Orleans
Did you know that Mardi Gras is not just a day but an entire season? The festivities kick off in January, building up to the grand crescendo on Fat Tuesday. Here are some facts that make Mardi Gras more than just a carnival.
- The flamboyant King Cake tradition is baked with a tiny plastic baby hidden inside, the person who discovers the trinket is dubbed the "king" for the day.
- It is the secret societies that host parades every year. The tradition is still going on- thanks to them.
- Every year during Mardi Gras in New Orleans, an estimated 25 million pounds of plastic beads are used.
- Wearing a mask is mandatory on the parade float.
- If you need some throws from the parade, use the phrase- ‘Throw Me Something, Mister’!
Mardi Gras is an experience in itself, and one must visit New Orleans to be a part of this grand festivity. Book your flight and get ready to join the magnificent celebration.
Explore Related Stories
