Mardi Gras

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Hello everyone. Winnie Griggs here. This week is special, not only because Valentine’s Day is on Wednesday, but also because Mardi Gras falls on Tuesday. As most longtime readers of this blog probably know, I grew up right across the river from New Orleans and am very familiar with this event. Even so, I thought I’d do a little research on the subject. Most of what I found I already knew but some of it was a surprise. Here is a shortened recap of what I learned.

The name Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday,” The name comes from the practice of consuming rich, fatty foods before the abstinence and fasting of Lent begins

Going back even further in history, there were ancient pagan celebrations that marked the end of winter and the arrival of spring. The Romans celebrated “Saturnalia,” while the Greeks had their “Dionysia.” These festivals were characterized by feasting, revelry, and a temporary reversal of social norms.

With the spread of Christianity, these pagan festivals were incorporated into the Christian calendar. Mardi Gras evolved as a season of its own, starting on Epiphany (January 6th) and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday.

As for the celebration’s history in the United States, the city of New Orleans is synonymous with Mardi Gras. French settlers brought the tradition to the region in the late 17th century, and it has since grown into a world-famous spectacle. The first recorded Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans took place in 1837, and the celebration has only grown more extravagant since then.

But not to be overshadowed, Mobile, Alabama, claims to have the oldest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States, dating back to 1703. The Mobile Carnival is known for its unique traditions and historical significance.

Here are some distinct differences in traditions between the two cities’ festivities:

  • Parade Style: The style and structure of Mardi Gras parades differ between the two cities. In New Orleans, elaborate and large-scale floats dominate the parades, often featuring intricate designs and themes. In Mobile, the parades may have a more traditional feel, with smaller floats and a focus on community participation.
  • Moon Pies vs. King Cake: While both cities have their unique Mardi Gras treats, Mobile is famous for its tradition of throwing Moon Pies from parade floats, while New Orleans is renowned for its King Cake, a sweet pastry with a hidden figurine inside.
  • Societal Structure: The social organization of Mardi Gras krewes differs between the two cities. In New Orleans, krewes are often private social clubs that organize parades and balls, with membership typically requiring an invitation. In Mobile, krewes are often more community-oriented, and participation may be more accessible to the public.
  • Masking Traditions: While both cities embrace the tradition of wearing masks during Mardi Gras, the styles of masks may vary. New Orleans masks often feature elaborate designs and are associated with masquerade balls, while Mobile masks may reflect a more traditional or historical aesthetic.
  • Size and Scale: New Orleans’ Mardi Gras is known for its grandeur and scale, attracting millions of visitors from around the world. Mobile’s celebration may have a more intimate feel, with a smaller but still vibrant atmosphere.

Mardi Gras is more than just a party; it’s a celebration of history, culture, and community. As another Fat Tuesday rolls around, I hope you’ll take a moment to appreciate the centuries-old traditions and the diverse tapestry of people who come together to make this event so special. Whether you’re able to experience Mardi Gras in person or vicariously, the spirit of revelry, unity, and joy is something we can all embrace.

 

And here are some fun bits of trivia and stats related to Mardi Gras

  • During Mardi Gras season, bakeries in New Orleans produce thousands of king cakes, with some estimates exceeding 500,000 cakes sold each year.
  • The official colors of Mardi Gras—purple, green, and gold—were chosen in 1872 by the Krewe of Rex. Purple represents justice, green symbolizes faith, and gold signifies power.
  • The date of Mardi Gras varies each year because it is tied to the date of Easter, which is a moveable feast in the Christian calendar. Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox (around March 21). Consequently, Mardi Gras, which is the day before Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent, can fall on any Tuesday between February 3 and March 9.
  • There’s a place in New Orleans known as “Mardi Gras World,” where many of the elaborate
  • In addition to beads, Krewe members toss various items known as “throws” from their floats. These can include doubloons (metal coins), plastic cups, stuffed animals, and decorative trinkets. Collecting throws is a cherished tradition for parade-goers.
  • There are approximately 70-80 active krewes in New Orleans, each with its unique theme and style. Some well-known krewes include Krewe of Rex, Krewe of Zulu, and Krewe of Endymion.
  • The oldest continually active krewe in New Orleans is the Krewe of Comus, founded in 1857. However, it’s worth noting that Comus no longer parades in the modern Mardi Gras celebration due to controversies surrounding segregation and secrecy.
  • The Endymion parade, known for its extravagance, holds the record for one of the longest parade routes in New Orleans. It can stretch over 5 miles and includes over 3,000 riders.
  • It’s estimated that millions of beads and trinkets are thrown during Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans each year. Some estimates suggest that over 25 million pounds of beads are imported from China annually for this purpose.
  • The cleanup after Mardi Gras is a monumental task. In recent years, volunteers and city workers have collected approximately 1,000 to 1,200 tons of trash and debris after the festivities.
  • Mardi Gras is a significant economic driver for New Orleans. It’s estimated that the celebration generates hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue annually through tourism, hotels, restaurants, and related industries.
  • The exact number of Mardi Gras attendees can be challenging to quantify, but it’s not uncommon for the city’s population to double or even triple during the Mardi Gras season.
  • Thousands of law enforcement officers are deployed during Mardi Gras to ensure safety and crowd control. The New Orleans Police Department, along with state troopers and other agencies, work together to maintain order.
  • Local businesses, particularly those in the hospitality and entertainment sectors, see a significant boost in revenue during Mardi Gras. Bars, restaurants, hotels, and shops rely heavily on this annual influx of tourists.

So have you ever attended a Mardi Gras parade? Had king cake (My birthday is in February so I usually have one as a birthday cake. 🙂 ). Any experiences with Mardi Gras – good or bad- the you’d like to share?

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Winnie Griggs is the author of Historical (and occasionally Contemporary) romances that focus on Small Towns, Big Hearts, Amazing Grace. She is also a list maker, a lover of dragonflies and holds an advanced degree in the art of procrastination.
Three of Winnie’s books have been nominated for the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, and one of those nominations resulted in a win.
Winnie loves to hear from readers. You can connect with her on facebook at www.facebook.com/WinnieGriggs.Author or email her at winnie@winniegriggs.com.

60 thoughts on “Mardi Gras”

    • Hi Rhonda, it’s definitely fun. And it doesn’t have to be scary there are lots of small community-based crews that run during the Mardi gras season as well That’s the kind most of my childhood memories are from.

  3. Born on the west bank..live not far from Nola now. So of course!! My kids are out on Mardi Gras break as we speak.now that I’m older we stick to the parades on the ms gulf coast. Not as hectic but just as fun. We love getting king cakes.

  6. I have never been to Mardi Gras, however, my parents visited New Orleans just prior to a Mardi Gras, and mom told how the hotel they stayed in looked stark as they had removed pictures off the walls and other items which could be damaged during the celebration. Myself, I drove through New Orleans in an off season and would love to have toured the garden district which I have seen on tv. It looks beautiful.

  7. wow thanks for sharing all this information. no I have never been to a mardi gras or had its king cakes. quilting dash lady at comcast dot net

  9. In 2003 our Band traveled to NO for a stay, we had our own parade down Bourbon St and they played! Got to visit several museum and had a swamp boat tour and got to hold a baby alligator named Elvis!

  11. The only Mardi Gras I’ve been to is the Wed-Sat event in Winchester Indiana during the first week of October, there are carnival rides and games and booths with local services and crafts along with a parade on Saturday. I don’t know why it’s called Mardi Gras. I didn’t know AL had one but that sounds fun. My bucket list includes a trip to New Orleans to see Mardi Gras.

  12. I ate King Cake for the first time 31 years ago, when I attended a Mardi Gras party. The hostess was from Biloxi.

    My son attends LSU and has off classes for the holiday.

    My husband’s cousins were on the main float in a parade a few years ago, because their dad was part of a Krewe.

    I have a Carnival mask my brother brought me from Italy.

    Laissez les bon temps rouler! ? ? ? ??

  13. I ate King Cake for the first time 31 years ago, when I attended a Mardi Gras party. The hostess was from Biloxi.

    My son attends LSU and has off classes for the holiday.

    My husband’s cousins were on the main float in a parade a few years ago, because their dad was part of a Krewe.

    I have a Carnival mask my brother brought me from Italy.

    Laissez les bon temps rouler! ? ? ? ??

  14. I have never experienced Marti Gras or any foods or activities connected to it. It sounds like lots of fun. I have seen movies and TV shows with scenes of Marti Gras in the show. Thank you for all the information. I definitely learned a lot from your sharing.

  15. I’ve never been to a Mardi Gras parade, or participated in any Mardi Gras events. I haven’t had King cake, either, though I’d like to try one! I have watched Mardi Gras being portrayed on TV, especially on NCIS New Orleans.

    • Hi Trudy, a lot of New Orleans bakeries will shipken cakes all over the country if you want to try one or if you’re feeling adventurous you can find lots of good recipes online

  17. Never been, but we lived in Arlington, Texas and my nephew brought me a mardi gras mask from New Orleans when they visited.

  18. I have not been to Mardi Gras but it looks fun. It is something we in the West don’t really celebrate much.

  20. I’ve never been to a Mardi Gras parade, but I had King Cake when I took French in high school. I actually had to pick mine apart before I ate it because I was afraid that if the plastic baby baked into the cake was in my piece, I would accidentally swallow it!

  21. Hi Winnie, I have never attended Mardi Gras, but it sure does look like alot of fun!! I have never eaten King Cake before , so I will have to try that also. Thank you so much for the very interesting facts about Mardi Gras. I hope you have a Very Happy and Blessed Birthday! God Bless you and your family.

  23. I’ve never been to Mardi Gras, but I have tasted King cake! It’s actually very good, and I have a recipe!

  24. No, I have never been to a Mardi Gras parade nor any Mardi Gras celebration. Wishing you a wonderful birthday.

  25. I have gone to Mardi Gras parades before but not in New Orleans. I went to the more family friendly ones in Slidell. We do try to get a king cake each year. This year we got one from Gambino’s with a cream cheese filling.

  26. I have not been experienced Mardi Gras. Sadly I haven’t even heard of king cakes before. It was nice to learn all these interesting facts though. Thank you.

  27. Our first trip to New Orleans was the Friday after Mardi Gras. St. Patrick’s Day was that weekend. Oh, my goodness, we were so surprised by the parade down Bourbon Street. It is hard to imagine the Mardi Gras parade being “more.” We were staying in the Garden District that time and another parade went by the place where we stayed. They were throwing cabbages, etc. Sadly we missed it because we were told a major jazz figure’s funeral was that day. We went to watch the procession which never happened. Many of us were there , so there was obviously a miscommunication. We have enjoyed all the food specialties New Orleans has to offer, including King Cake. Our daughter’s birthday is the 15th and your having a King Cake for a birthday cake sounds like a good idea. I will have to find one. I have made one before, but that was from a kit I brought back from New Orleans.
    Our women’s club had a meeting tonight and the theme was Mardi Gras. We got beads, crown rings on cupcakes, little plastic Mardi Gras crayfish, and of course King Cake. The lady who brought it took the baby out so no one would choke on it. Spoiled the fun. Thanks for bring back good memories. I don’t think I could handle Mardi Gras, but would enjoy being there for St. Patrick’s Day again. We have been wanting to go back for another visit. There is still more in the area I would like to see.

      • I tried for years to get my husband to make a trip to NOLA and he wouldn’t. Then Katrina happened which shut things down for a bit. When things were opening up more, I asked again and he still said no. So…I booked a weeks stay and gave it to him for a birthday present. That was the one that was over St. Patrick’s Day. We have been back twice since and look forward to going again.

  28. Hi Winnie. I have never been to Mardi Gras or had a king cake. Thank you so much for sharing such interesting facts. God bless you.

  29. Winnie,

    I’ve only read about Mardi Gras (Washington, D.C./MD right outside it are below the Mason Dixon Line but not really southern) and had the notion that the prize in King cake represented the Baby Jesus. Looking it up, Google says the figure of a baby represents good luck.

    Interesting article!

    • That’s right it is a symbol of good luck. There’s also a tradition that whoever winds up with the baby in their slice of cake is supposed to host the next Mardi gras party for their group.

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