Joyeux Mardi Gras! It’s almost time to step out in our most colorful beads, sequined masks, and fluffy feathers. If you’ve curiously clicked on this post wondering what exactly this celebration is all about, or, even if you’re a seasoned Mardi Gras veteran, we’re here to bring this festival into the spotlight! We’ll dive into the history and origins of this fun-filled holiday, and also offer some fabulous ideas for you to mark it yourself, whether at home or in the wider community! This year, the official date for Mardi Gras is February 17th.
The History of Mardi Gras
While Mardi Gras is now most widely associated with Christianity and the season of Lent, the festival’s exact origins can be traced back much further. Mardi Gras actually evolved from pagan celebrations of Spring and fertility, most notably the Roman festivals Saturnalia and Lupercalia. When Christianity took hold in Rome, religious leaders decided to combine these pre-existing local traditions with the new religion, and, as a result, the Mardi Gras celebration became the tradition of enjoying rich food in excess before the fasting period of Lent.
In French, Mardi Gras means ‘Fat Tuesday’, with this weekday always being the official date of the festival; however, the event can often be a week-long party in some locations! The first Mardi Gras was celebrated in the U.S. in 1699, after French explorers had landed near what is now known as New Orleans, Louisiana. Since then, traditions have advanced further, and today, Mardi Gras is marked nationwide by street carnivals, parades with floats and marching bands, masked balls, and late-night parties.
How to Celebrate Mardi Gras
There are many awesome ways to observe this annual celebration! Whether you’re an extrovert who thrives in a big crowd of busy revelry, or someone who prefers to keep things a little more low-key in the comfort of their own home, you can celebrate Mardi Gras in your own way. If you’re looking for some ideas to mark the occasion, below are a few of our favorites!
Attend a Parade or Local Event
Mardi Gras parades happen all over the country! The most famous Mardi Gras locations – New Orleans, Louisiana; Mobile, Alabama; and St. Louis, Missouri – host the biggest, most elaborate, and longest-running parades every year. However, if traveling to one of these hotspots isn’t possible, be sure to check out your local area for any smaller Mardi Gras parades or other themed events that may be taking place!
Throw a Party
Another great way to observe Mardi Gras is to host your own party for the holiday! Send out some Mardi Gras invitations, and then have your friends and family come over for on-theme food, drinks, and dancing. Don’t forget to jazz up your space with the best Mardi Gras decorations and party supplies to really become the host with the most. With the right execution, it’ll feel like you’re right in the heart of New Orleans. Laughter and good times are guaranteed!
Dress Up
For many, an important part of Mardi Gras is the costumes and outfits used to celebrate. Bright colors are key, and people tend to dress in any they like, but purple (representing justice), green (representing faith), and gold (representing power), are the traditional shades associated with the event. Feather boas, masks, ornate headpieces, and beads are also popular accessories worn on Mardi Gras. So, get some inspiration online, and then design your fabulous Mardi Gras outfits! Whether you’ll wear it to an event or just snap some fun pics, that’s up to you!
Enjoy Traditional Mardi Gras Food
Put on your trusty apron, and get ready to cook up a Mardi Gras-inspired storm in the kitchen! Try out some famous Mardi Gras recipes for entrées, snacks, and desserts and have yourself a total feast. Discover traditional New Orleans and Cajun culture dishes like jambalaya, gumbo, po’ boys, red beans and rice, and, of course, King Cake! After all, the original point of Mardi Gras was to indulge in rich foods before Lent, so grab a plate and enjoy.
Join a Krewe
Mardi Gras Krewes are non-profit organizations and clubs that host their own Mardi Gras parades, create floats, host masked balls, and undertake charitable work in their communities during the holiday period. Krewes are known for their themed parades, unique traditions, and long-standing history. Joining a krewe usually involves an application process, a membership fee, and sometimes even recommendations from current members, but this will vary depending on the location and krewe itself. If you’ve always wanted to be part of a krewe, why not sign up and get involved?
Listen to Mardi Gras Music
Turn up your speaker, and blast some Mardi Gras music for the occasion! The main style of music associated with Mardi Gras is jazz, with brass instruments like trombones, tubas, and trumpets taking center stage. Find a Mardi Gras playlist on Spotify or YouTube, and listen throughout the day for an immersive experience!
You’ve reached the end of our post! We hope that you’re now ready to celebrate Mardi Gras in a way that speaks to you. On behalf of us all at Zazzle Ideas, we wish you a fun, safe, and memorable holiday! Laissez les bons temps rouler!
Ella is a content specialist from Cork, Ireland. Her passions include spending time with her two energetic dogs, fashion, photography, and trying new vegan food!
