February 17

Mardi Gras

Indulge in the spectacular explosion of colors, music, and vibrant festivities, as we usher in the Mardi Gras season! Join the city-wide party!

Yearly Date

The Day before Ash Wednesday

Observed in

United States

Introduction

Get ready to revel in all the glitz and glam of Mardi Gras, a day full of rich traditions that takes place on February 13! This vibrant festival, also known as 'Fat Tuesday', traces its roots back to medieval Europe and over time has evolved into a grand celebration of music, parades, and decadence. Mardi Gras is most famously celebrated in the city of New Orleans, where the streets come alive with bustling parades and beautifully adorned masqueraders. Locals and tourists alike dance, sing and revel to brass band rhythms till dawn. So put on your brightest costume, prepare some jambalaya and king cake, and get ready for an indulgent celebration like no other!

Mardi Gras Timeline

1699

Mardi Gras' American Beginnings

French-Canadian explorer Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville arrived at a plot of ground, named it "Point du Mardi Gras" and celebrated.

1837

First Mardi Gras Parade

The first organized Mardi Gras Parade took place in New Orleans.

1857

Incorporation of Krewe of Comus

The "Mistick Krewe of Comus" was founded, introducing torchlight processions and themed floats, standardizing modern Mardi Gras celebrations.

1871

Origins of the Mardi Gras King

The tradition of selecting a king for Mardi Gras began with the "Twelfth Night Revelers" - the king was chosen through a cake containing a gold bean.

1875

Establishment of Mardi Gras Day

The "Mardi Gras Act" was signed into law, making Fat Tuesday a legal holiday in Louisiana, a status it holds today.

2006

Resilience After Katrina

Despite devastation from Hurricane Katrina the year prior, New Orleans hosted Mardi Gras parades, symbolizing the city's resilience and spirit.

How to Celebrate Mardi Gras

1 Host a Mardi Gras party

Inviting some friends to a home-made Mardi Gras celebration. Encourage guests to come in masks and beaded necklaces. You can even organize some traditional Mardi Gras games.

2 Bake a King Cake

This traditional Mardi Gras dessert, a colorful creation with a small trinket hidden inside. A part of tradition is to have the person who gets the slice of cake with the token inside host the Mardi Gras party next year.

3 Create your own Mardi Gras parade

Invite friends or neighbors for a cheerful neighborhood parade. Dress up in the traditional Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold, and march around your neighborhood or house playing some upbeat music.

4 Craft Mardi Gras masks

Creating your own Mardi Gras masks can be a fun and artistic activity. Use all sorts of materials - feathers, sequins, beads, and more - to make your mask as extravagant as possible.

5 Learn about Mardi Gras history

Delving into the rich and storied history of Mardi Gras can be a fulfilling experience. Learning about the roots of the celebration in medieval Europe to its current day status as a carnival of music and revelry in New Orleans brings the festival alive in a unique way.

Why We Love Mardi Gras

The Vibrant Atmosphere

Mardi Gras is a festival characterized by joy, music, and an explosion of colors. The vibrancy and energy in the air are infectious and make for a joyful experience that transcends the ordinary. It's an opportunity to step out of your regular routine and immerse yourself in a cultural extravaganza!

An Expression of Culture and History

Traced back to medieval Europe, Mardi Gras carries with it a rich history and culture that captivates the heart. From the traditional costumes and parades to the music and food, every aspect of Mardi Gras provides a unique insight into a treasured historical tradition.

Opportunity for Creativity

Mardi Gras is all about expressing oneself. Whether it's crafting your own extravagant mask, baking a traditional King Cake, or dressing in vibrant costumes for a mini parade, Mardi Gras gives you the chance to unleash your creativity and participate in a way that's uniquely you!