Mardi Gras History and Traditions
Mardi Gras is music, parades, picnics, floats, excitement...and one big holiday in New Orleans! Everyone is wearing purple, green, and gold, and adorned with long beads caught from the beautiful floats. They sit on the ground throwing balls, playing music, having a picnic, and watching the crowds walk by between parades.
During Mardi Gras, all of the businesses and roads are practically shut down--people walk everywhere and meeting new friends. People are dressed in crazy costumes, kids are everywhere, and they love it! How did it all begin, and have the traditions changed? Take the links below for more information on Mardi Gras in New Orleans!
King Cakes are a vibrant part of the Mardi Gras tradition in New Orleans.
As part of New Orleans' Christian faith, the coming of the wise men bearing gifts to the Christ Child is celebrated twelve days after Christmas. We refer to this as the Feast of the Epiphany, or Little Christmas on the Twelfth Night. This is a time of celebration, exchanging gifts and feasting. Today, the tradition continues as people all over the world gather for festive Twelfth Night celebrations. A popular custom was and still is the baking of a special cake in honor of the three kings, called "A King's Cake."
Inside every cake is a tiny baby (generally plastic now, but sometimes this baby might be made of porcelain or even gold). The tradition of having King Cake Parties has evolved through time, and the person who receives the slice of cake with the baby is asked to continue the festivities by hosting the next King Cake party.
Originally, King Cakes were a simple ring of dough with a small amount of decoration. Today's King Cakes are much more festive. After the rich Danish dough is braided and baked, the "baby" is inserted. The top of the ring or oval cake is then covered with delicious sugar toppings in the traditional Mardi Gras colors of purple, green and gold.
Mardi Gras Attractions
While on your visit to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, be sure to visit the other carnival-related attractions that the city has to offer! Not only can you experience the extravagant parades firsthand, but you can also visit certain restaurants and museums that are built upon the history of Mardi Gras.
Louisiana State Museum: Carnival
Discover Mardi Gras through five major themes--History, Masking, Parades, Balls and the Courir du Mardi Gras--at the Louisiana State Museum!
Rivertown Mardi Gras Museum
Over 100 years of Mardi Gras history, from New Orleans to Acadia, can be discovered at the Treasure Chest Mardi Gras Museum. Board a float and take pictures at the Mardi Gras Museum!
The Germaine Cazenave Wells Mardi Gras Museum
Free and open to the public, this museum features a collection of Mardi Gras Carnival court gowns, costumes and other memorabilia made in France.
Fat Tuesday is in 32 days. Now is the time to make those last minute reservations. To book that once in a lifetime vacations or help with any other travel needs, call Rawhide Travel and Tours at 602-843-5100 or 888-222-7594 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. We will be happy to guide you through all your vacation planning.
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