50 Fun Facts About Mardi Gras

What does "Mardi Gras" literally translate to in English?

Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday," referring to the practice of eating rich, fatty foods before the fasting season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday.

What are the three traditional colors of Mardi Gras?

The official Mardi Gras colors are purple (justice), green (faith), and gold (power). These colors were chosen by the Rex krewe in 1872.

What Christian season does Mardi Gras immediately precede?

Mardi Gras falls the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent — a 40-day period of fasting and penance leading up to Easter.

Which U.S. city is most famous for its Mardi Gras celebrations?

New Orleans, Louisiana is synonymous with Mardi Gras in the United States. The city has celebrated Carnival since the early 1700s, and its parades and festivities attract millions of visitors each year.

What small plastic figurine is traditionally hidden inside a king cake?

A small plastic baby (representing the baby Jesus) is hidden inside king cake. The person who finds the baby in their slice is traditionally expected to host the next king cake party or buy the next cake.

What items are most commonly thrown from Mardi Gras parade floats to spectators?

Beads (especially colorful plastic necklaces) are the most iconic throws at Mardi Gras parades. Other common throws include doubloons, cups, and stuffed animals.

What is the name of the famous street in New Orleans known for its Mardi Gras revelry?

Bourbon Street in the French Quarter is the epicenter of Mardi Gras nightlife and celebrations. While parades actually run along other streets like St. Charles Avenue, Bourbon Street is famous for its festive atmosphere.

What is the broader Carnival season that Mardi Gras is part of?

Mardi Gras is the culmination of the Carnival season, which traditionally begins on January 6 (Epiphany/Twelfth Night) and ends on Fat Tuesday. Carnival is celebrated in many Catholic cultures worldwide.

What day of the week does Mardi Gras always fall on?

Mardi Gras always falls on a Tuesday — 47 days before Easter. Since Easter moves each year, the date of Mardi Gras changes accordingly, but it is always a Tuesday.

What French phrase meaning "Let the good times roll" is the unofficial motto of Mardi Gras?

"Laissez les bons temps rouler" — Let the good times roll — is the unofficial motto of Mardi Gras and Louisiana Cajun culture in general. It captures the festive, carefree spirit of the celebration.

What organization or social club organizes a Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans?

Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans are organized by "krewes" — private social organizations. The term is a deliberate creative respelling of "crew" and dates back to the Mistick Krewe of Comus, founded in 1857.

Which krewe, founded in 1872, is credited with choosing the official Mardi Gras colors?

The Rex organization ("King of Carnival"), founded in 1872, selected purple, green, and gold as the official Mardi Gras colors and assigned them the meanings of justice, faith, and power respectively.

What type of deep-fried pastry, often covered in powdered sugar, is a beloved New Orleans treat during Mardi Gras?

Beignets are square French-style doughnuts covered in powdered sugar. Café Du Monde in the French Quarter is the most famous spot for beignets, serving them 24 hours a day, especially popular during Carnival season.

In what century did Mardi Gras celebrations first arrive in what is now the United States?

French-Canadian explorer Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville held the first recorded Mardi Gras celebration in what is now the U.S. on March 3, 1699, near present-day New Orleans. He named the spot Point du Mardi Gras.

What is the name of the predominantly African American krewe known for its decorated coconuts?

The Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club, founded in 1909, is famous for its hand-decorated coconuts, known as "Golden Nuggets," which are among the most prized Mardi Gras throws.

What famous New Orleans avenue is the main route for most Uptown Mardi Gras parades?

St. Charles Avenue is the primary route for Uptown Mardi Gras parades. Floats roll under the famous oak trees along this historic avenue before turning onto Canal Street near the French Quarter.

What do Mardi Gras "doubloons" refer to?

Doubloons are commemorative aluminum (or sometimes wooden) coins thrown from Mardi Gras floats. The Rex krewe introduced them in 1960, and they typically feature the krewe's emblem on one side and the year's parade theme on the other.

What is Ash Wednesday's relationship to Mardi Gras?

Ash Wednesday is the day immediately after Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday). It marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and repentance in the Christian calendar. Mardi Gras is essentially the last day of indulgence before Lent.

Which South American city hosts the world's largest Carnival celebration?

Rio de Janeiro's Carnival is the world's largest, attracting roughly 2 million people per day during the festivities. Its famous Sambadrome parade features elaborate samba school performances and is broadcast worldwide.

What musical genre, born in New Orleans, is closely associated with Mardi Gras celebrations?

Jazz, which originated in New Orleans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, is deeply woven into Mardi Gras culture. Brass bands, jazz funerals, and improvisational street performances are hallmarks of the Carnival season.

What does the purple color in Mardi Gras symbolize?

In the official Mardi Gras color scheme established by Rex in 1872, purple represents justice, green represents faith, and gold represents power.

What is the name of the first documented Mardi Gras parade organization in New Orleans, founded in 1857?

The Mistick Krewe of Comus, founded in 1857, was the first documented krewe to organize a formal Mardi Gras parade with themed floats and torchlight processions in New Orleans.

Which Mardi Gras krewe is known for hosting one of the largest parades and its massive Superdome extravaganza?

The Krewe of Endymion, founded in 1966, is famous for its enormous parade (one of the largest in Mardi Gras) and its legendary Endymion Extravaganza — a post-parade party held inside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

What genre of music originating from Southwest Louisiana blends Creole, Cajun, blues, and R&B, and is a staple of Mardi Gras celebrations?

Zydeco is a music genre that originated in Southwest Louisiana among the Creole community. It features accordion and washboard (frottoir) prominently and is a beloved part of Mardi Gras and Cajun/Creole culture.

What Italian city is famous for its Carnival celebration featuring elaborate masks and costumes?

The Carnival of Venice (Carnevale di Venezia) is world-renowned for its elaborate masks and costumes. The tradition dates back to the 13th century, and the iconic Venetian masks have become symbols of mystery and celebration worldwide.

In New Orleans Mardi Gras tradition, what are the Mardi Gras Indians known for?

Mardi Gras Indians are African American community groups who create extraordinarily elaborate hand-sewn suits adorned with beads, feathers, and rhinestones. The tradition honors Native Americans who sheltered escaped enslaved people, and suits can take an entire year to make.

What Cajun tradition involves masked horseback riders going door to door in rural Louisiana on Mardi Gras day?

Courir de Mardi Gras (Mardi Gras Run) is a traditional Cajun celebration in rural Louisiana where costumed riders on horseback travel from farm to farm, begging for ingredients (especially chickens) to make a communal gumbo.

What celebrity actor co-founded the Krewe of Orpheus in 1993?

New Orleans native Harry Connick Jr. co-founded the Krewe of Orpheus in 1993. The krewe was notable for being open to both men and women and has featured numerous celebrity monarchs over the years.

What Louisiana stew, made with a dark roux, okra, and various meats or shellfish, is a classic Mardi Gras dish?

Gumbo is one of Louisiana's signature dishes and a Mardi Gras staple. It starts with a dark roux and typically includes okra, the "holy trinity" of onions, celery, and bell pepper, and some combination of sausage, chicken, or shellfish.

What Caribbean island nation is famous for its Carnival celebration featuring steel drum music and elaborate costumes?

Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival is one of the most famous in the Caribbean. It features soca and calypso music, steel pan bands, and elaborate "mas" (masquerade) costumes, and is considered one of the greatest street parties in the world.

What is the name of the traditional Mardi Gras parade float riders cry to the crowd?

Throw me something, mister! is the traditional cry from spectators to float riders during Mardi Gras parades.

Which Mardi Gras krewe was co-founded with the help of entertainer Danny Kaye in 1968 and is known for celebrity monarchs?

The Krewe of Bacchus was co-founded in 1968 with the help of entertainer Danny Kaye. It broke tradition by inviting celebrity kings rather than choosing from within the organization. Past kings include Bob Hope, Jackie Gleason, and Will Ferrell.

What is a traditional Mardi Gras king cake typically flavored with?

Traditional king cake is a brioche-style cake flavored with cinnamon and topped with icing and colored sugar in purple, green, and gold. Modern variations include cream cheese, praline, and other filled versions.

What was the first U.S. city to celebrate Mardi Gras, predating New Orleans?

Mobile, Alabama claims the title of the oldest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States. French settlers began celebrating there in 1703, predating New Orleans (founded in 1718) by about 15 years.

What type of brass instrument-led musical group is iconic to New Orleans Mardi Gras street performances?

Second line brass bands are a quintessential part of New Orleans culture and Mardi Gras. Named for the second line of dancers and revelers who follow the band, these groups play a unique blend of jazz, funk, and traditional New Orleans music.

In what year was the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club founded?

The Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club was founded in 1909 by a group of laborers who had previously belonged to a Benevolent Aid association called The Tramps. It has since become one of the most prestigious and beloved Mardi Gras krewes.

What Louisiana sandwich, typically made with fried seafood or roast beef on French bread, is a Mardi Gras food staple?

The po-boy is a traditional Louisiana sandwich served on crispy French bread. It is typically filled with fried shrimp, oysters, catfish, or roast beef with gravy, and is a ubiquitous street food during Mardi Gras celebrations.

What is the Twelfth Night, and what is its significance to the Mardi Gras season?

Twelfth Night falls on January 6 (Epiphany), twelve days after Christmas. It traditionally marks the beginning of the Carnival season in New Orleans, when king cakes appear in bakeries and krewes begin hosting their balls and events.

What is the name of the all-female krewe founded in 2000 that is known for throwing hand-decorated shoes?

The Krewe of Muses, founded in 2000, is an all-female krewe famous for its hand-decorated shoes (often high heels), which are among the most coveted Mardi Gras throws. The shoes are elaborately glittered and customized by members.

Approximately how many people visit New Orleans for Mardi Gras each year?

Approximately 1.4 million visitors come to New Orleans for Mardi Gras each year, generating over $1 billion in economic impact. The celebration is one of the largest tourism events in the United States.

What is the name of the enormous Mardi Gras float warehouse district in New Orleans where many krewes build their floats?

Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World is a massive facility where many of New Orleans' most spectacular parade floats are designed and built. Blaine Kern, known as Mr. Mardi Gras, founded the company in 1947, and it has created floats for over 40 krewes.

In 1991, the New Orleans City Council passed an ordinance requiring krewes to do what in order to parade on public streets?

In 1991, the New Orleans City Council passed an anti-discrimination ordinance requiring krewes that paraded on public streets to certify they did not discriminate based on race, gender, or other categories. This led some old-line krewes like Comus and Momus to stop parading rather than comply.

What Mardi Gras tradition involves the Rex and Comus courts meeting at the end of Fat Tuesday night?

The Meeting of the Courts is a secretive and prestigious Mardi Gras tradition where the courts of Rex and Comus come together at the end of Fat Tuesday night. It symbolically marks the end of Carnival and is considered one of the most exclusive events in New Orleans society.

What is jambalaya, the famous Louisiana rice dish commonly served during Mardi Gras?

Jambalaya is a one-pot rice dish that is a staple of Louisiana cuisine. It typically combines rice with a mix of sausage (usually andouille), chicken, shrimp, or other proteins, along with the holy trinity of onions, celery, and bell pepper. Creole-style includes tomatoes; Cajun-style does not.

What special privilege do Zulu coconuts have under Louisiana state law?

In 1987, the Louisiana state legislature passed the so-called Coconut Bill, which exempts the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club from liability for injuries caused by their coconut throws. This was necessary because coconuts were too heavy to be safely thrown and must instead be handed directly to spectators.

What is the name for the elaborate formal parties hosted by Mardi Gras krewes during Carnival season?

Mardi Gras krewes host formal balls (also called tableaux balls) throughout Carnival season. These are exclusive, invitation-only events where krewe royalty is presented, members wear formal attire and masks, and elaborate themed performances (tableaux) are staged.

What historic event forced the cancellation of Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans in 2006?

Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans in August 2005, devastating the city. While Mardi Gras 2006 did proceed on a reduced scale (notably, many consider it an important act of recovery and defiance), many parades and events were cancelled or significantly scaled back as the city was still rebuilding.

What German tradition is considered a predecessor to Mardi Gras celebrations in many European cities?

Fasching (also called Karneval or Fastnacht in different German regions) is the German Carnival tradition, celebrated in the days before Lent. Cities like Cologne, Mainz, and Dusseldorf hold massive parades and celebrations that are direct cousins to Mardi Gras.

What term describes the tradition of Mardi Gras Indian tribes competing to see who has the most beautiful suit?

Masking is the term used for the Mardi Gras Indian tradition of donning their elaborate hand-sewn suits and parading through the streets. When two tribes meet, they engage in competitive displays to determine who has the prettiest suit, replacing what were once violent confrontations with artistic competition.

What is a lundi gras, and when does it take place?

Lundi Gras (Fat Monday) is the day before Mardi Gras. It features the arrival of the King of Rex by riverboat on the Mississippi and the Zulu king's arrival, along with concerts, fireworks, and celebrations along the riverfront, building anticipation for Fat Tuesday.