Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is a festive day celebrated by the French on Shrove Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday). In the United States, the principal Carnival celebration is in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The origins of Mardi Gras can be traced back to ancient spring festivals held in Europe; particularly in Rome. These early celebrations, known as Lupercalia, were rituals associated with the coming of spring.

The term “Mardi Gras” itself originates from the French language, with “Mardi“ meaning “Tuesday” and “Gras“ meaning “fat”. This refers to the custom of eating rich foods before the start of lent.

Lent takes place six and a half weeks before Easter on Ash Wednesday. It’s a 40 day period for fasting disincluding Sundays. This is why Mardi Gras became a day to eat rich foods.

The history of Mardi Gras in the United States can be traced back to the French colonization of Louisiana in the early 18th century. In 1699, French-Canadian explorer Jean Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville and his crew landed near the present-day site of New Orleans.

By the time the French settlers established New Orleans in 1718, Mardi Gras was already a tradition in Europe. The first official American Mardi Gras celebration is believed to have taken place in 1730, featuring balls and street parties.

In the 1830s, a new tradition emerged with the creation of secret groups known as krewes. These groups, made up of notable New Orleans citizens, began organizing elaborate parades and masked balls to mark the Mardi Gras season.

The first recorded Mardi Gras parade was held in 1837, and over the years, the event grew more extravagant. Krewes became central to the celebration, each with its own unique theme, costumes, and floats.

One of the most significant developments in Mardi Gras history occurred in 1857 with the formation of the Krewe of Comus, the first of many krewes to play a pivotal role in organizing and hosting Mardi Gras events.The Comus krewe introduced the first Mardi Gras parade with floats, a tradition that would soon spread to other krewes. These parades were often themed around classical mythology, literature, or New Orleans’ rich cultural history.

In 1872, the Krewe of Rex was formed, bringing the first official Mardi Gras “King” and Queen” into the celebration. Rex, known as the “King of Carnival,” became the centerpiece of Mardi Gras parades, and the crowning of Rex and his royal court became one of the most anticipated events of the season.

Festivities begin ten days before Shrove Tuesday.  During this time, the city’s filled with revelry and elaborate parades day and night.

Beads of gold, green, and purple are passed out during the celebration. Purple symbolizes justice, green represents faith, and gold stands for power. These colors remain a defining feature of the festival to this day and are prominently displayed on costumes, floats, and decorations.

The iconic King Cake, a sweet pastry decorated in the festival’s signature colors, also plays an important role in the celebration. A small figurine of a baby is hidden inside the cake, and the person who finds it must either host the next party or provide the cake for the following year.

Carnival takes place in many Roman Catholic countries in the last hours and day before lenten season.The first day of carnivals vary with national and local traditions.

In Munich in Bavaria, the carnival season is called Fasching which begins on the feast of Epiphany (January 6). In Cologne in the Rhineland it begins on November 11 at 11:11 in the morning.

In France, the celebration is restricted to Shrove Tuesday, and to mi-carème (the Thursday of the third week of Lent). In some parts of Spain, Ash Wednesday is also included in Carnival Celebrations.

Mardi Gras has evolved from a religious and cultural event into a massive public celebration that transcends its origins. It is now a symbol of the joyous, rebellious spirit of people coming together to celebrate life, culture, and creativity.