It's one of the most well-known and iconic of celebratory events: Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
And the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau puts on an amazing show.
Even those who have never had the good fortune to participate in the revelry and excitement of this New Orleans extravaganza in person can easily conjure up visions of what they imagine the event to be. Traditions play a major part in the whole spectacle, but do you know the interesting backstory of some of the most enduring Mardi Gras traditions?
Mardi Gras Balls
Balls are the highlight of the Mardi Gras social event season. Like many Mardi Gras traditions, this dates back to the late 1800s. Early versions included masquerade balls that attracted the most elite among local society circles. Today, many of the most exclusive balls are still private, invite-only affairs, and are often where debutantes are introduced and make their societal debut.
Parades
One of the main events of Mardi Gras is the parade. This event officially dates back to 1838, although informal parades had been held during this season for years prior to that. The parade involves a number of krewes, which are groups or organizations that host balls or ride on parade floats during the celebration period.
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Colors
Mardi Gras is all about festive colors, and that didn't happen by accident. The oldest parading krewe-known as Rex, and dating back to the late 1800s-came up with the official Mardi Gras flag and the distinctive purple, green and gold color scheme that has remained the same ever since. The colors are said to each have special meaning: purple represents justice, green stands for faith and gold means power.
Beads and throws
During the Mardi Gras parades, it is common for people on the floats to throw items to the crowds in attendance. The custom of throwing trinkets to the parade-goers began back in the 1800s and has remained an event staple ever since. While the items thrown include an assortment of surprises, colorful beads are the most common-and the item that people tend to associate most with Mardi Gras parades.
King Cake
This is one of the Mardi Gras customs that may be more of a mystery to many people. Tracing back to a Christian routine of honoring the Three Kings, the King's Cake is a treat baked in honor of the kings. A figure of a tiny baby is hidden somewhere inside the cake, and the lucky person who discovers the hidden baby carries on the tradition by hosting the next King Cake celebration.
Zulu coconuts
Along with beads, Zulu coconuts are among the most popular "throws" at the Mardi Gras parade. The brainchild of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club, these colorful, glittery orbs date back to the early 1900s. Sometimes also called the "golden nugget," a Zulu coconut is special partly because each is unique, sporting an individual design or paint scheme.
Don't miss out on the Mardi Gras fun!
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