What is Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras is a popular holiday – with celebrations held throughout the world. New Orleans is typically connected to the holiday, as the town’s celebration is one of the most famous in the world.
The term Mardi Gras comes from French meaning “Fat Tuesday” and is celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday.
The holiday originates from Carnival, the Christian season before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Lent honors the 40 days Christ spent fasting in the desert. The days leading up to Lent are spent indulging in food.
The parts of the celebration includes:
Quinquagesima (Shrove Sunday)
Shrove Monday
Mardi Gras (Shrove Tuesday)
The event is celebrated around the world – typically in countries with a large Roman Catholic population.
The first celebration in the United States was held in 1699 – after French explorers held a small celebration in what is now New Orleans. These celebrations would continue in the area until it was banned after Spanish settlers took over. It wasn’t until 1812 when these bans would be lifted.
Years later, students would don costumes and parade around on the holiday – replicating what they saw in the Paris celebrations. In 1837, the first recorded Mardi Gras parade took place in New Orleans. Since then the popularity of the holiday has grown in the United States. Other states, like Alabama and Mississippi, also celebrate the annual event.
Popular traditions in American celebrations of Mardi Gras include
The Colors – Purple, green and gold are the colors of Mardi Gras. They represent royalty, hope and precious metals – respectively.
Krewe – A krewe is a social club that stages the parade. The first Krewe created the tradition of having an organized parade, instead of random celebrations.
Masks – Back in the day, masks were used to hide the identity of the rich to protect their reputation. The inspiration for the masks comes from Venetian carnival celebrations.
Krewe of Rex – Also known as Rex the king of Carnival, Krewe of Rex is the king of the festival. The king has his own float and receives a key to the city.
Bead Throwing – The tradition of throwing beads is believed to have started when the Krewe of Rex would offer trinkets to the crowds.
Coconuts – Starting in the 1900s, the tradition of the “Krewe of Zulu” was born. Their job, to throw painted coconuts at the parade guests. Now, they just hand them out.
King Cake – King Cake is a traditional cake made during Mardi Gras. Inside of the cake is a Baby Jesus fève – a small figure. The cake is typically a cinnamon roll type cake covered in icing.
Mardi Gras is also popular around the world. Each country has their own traditions, making every celebration different.
France honors Mardi Gras with masked balls, parades, and outdoor feasts. The French call this festival “le Carnival”.
Belgium honors the days before Lent with the Carnival of Binche – their own version of events held during Carnival. The traditions involve wearing the Belgium national colors and having oranges thrown to the crowd.
Italy holds a similar tradition with their “Battle of Oranges” in Ivrea. It is the largest food-fight in the country.
This worldwide event is a celebration of fun, while remaining a testament of faith. So honor Mardi Gras this year – throw some beads, eat as much as you can, and don’t forget what you’re celebrating.