Masks symbolize freedom and anonymity, allowing revelers to embrace the festivities, while beads, often in purple (justice), green (faith), and gold (power), also have religious significance, representing virtues tied to the Christian observance of Lent during Mardi Gras. Photo publicdomainpictures.net
Mardi Gras—also known as “Fat Tuesday”—is a time of lively parades, colorful beads, and festive music. But beyond the party atmosphere, this celebration has deep roots in history and faith. So, what’s the story behind Mardi Gras? Let’s dive in!
Where Did Mardi Gras Come From?
Mardi Gras dates back thousands of years to ancient Roman festivals like Saturnalia and Lupercalia, which were all about feasting and fun before a period of discipline. When Christianity spread, these traditions blended into the pre-Lenten season, leading up to Easter.
The phrase “Mardi Gras” comes from French and means “Fat Tuesday”—the last chance to enjoy rich foods before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. During Lent, many Christians traditionally fast or give up indulgences for 40 days, remembering Jesus’ time in the wilderness. So, Mardi Gras became the perfect excuse to enjoy one last big meal and party before the season of reflection and sacrifice.
When Is Mardi Gras Celebrated?
Mardi Gras is always celebrated on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, exactly 47 days before Easter. Since Easter Sunday changes each year (falling between March 22 and April 25), Mardi Gras also moves within a range of February 3 to March 9.
• In 2025, Mardi Gras will fall on Tuesday, March 4.
• In 2026, it will be on February 17.
• In 2027, it will be on February 9.
The Mardi Gras season officially begins on January 6 (Twelfth Night), leading up to the grand celebration on Fat Tuesday. In cities like New Orleans, the days before Mardi Gras are packed with vibrant parades, live music, and festive traditions. Major krewes (the groups that organize parades) like Endymion, Bacchus, and Zulu put on extravagant floats and performances leading up to the big day.
How Did Mardi Gras Come to America?
Mardi Gras arrived in North America in 1699, when French explorers Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville and Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville landed near present-day Louisiana and celebrated the occasion. Over time, the city of New Orleans became the heart of Mardi Gras in the U.S., embracing the tradition with grand parades, music, and masks.
By the 1800s, the celebration had grown into a full-fledged spectacle. The first organized parade was held in 1857, thanks to a group called the Mistick Krewe of Comus. They introduced floats, masked balls, and secret krewes (organizations that plan Mardi Gras events), shaping the festival into what we know today.
Mardi Gras Traditions and Symbols
Mardi Gras is packed with traditions, each with its own special meaning:
• The Colors – Purple, Green, and Gold: These official Mardi Gras colors were chosen in 1872. Purple represents justice, green stands for faith, and gold symbolizes power.
• Masks and Costumes: Mask-wearing is a big deal in New Orleans’ Mardi Gras, giving people the chance to step into a new identity for the day. Fun fact: if you’re on a parade float, wearing a mask is actually required by law!
• Beads and Throws: Beads, coins (called doubloons), and other trinkets are tossed from floats to parade-goers. Catching them is part of the fun!
• King Cake: This delicious, cinnamon-filled cake is a must-have. It’s decorated in the official Mardi Gras colors, and inside, there’s a hidden plastic baby figurine. The lucky person who finds it is said to have good fortune—and gets to buy the next King Cake!
Mardi Gras Around the World
While New Orleans is famous for Mardi Gras, other places have their own versions of the celebration:
• Brazil – Carnival: The world’s biggest pre-Lenten festival, known for dazzling parades, samba dancing, and over-the-top costumes.
• Venice, Italy – Carnevale: Famous for its elegant masquerade balls and elaborate masks.
• France – Nice Carnival: One of the oldest and most stylish celebrations, featuring flower parades and artistic floats.
• Germany – Fasching/Karneval: A season of wild street parties and costumes, especially in cities like Cologne.
Why Do People Still Celebrate Mardi Gras?
For some, Mardi Gras is just about having fun, enjoying parades, and spending time with friends. But for others, it’s still a meaningful tradition, marking the transition from indulgence to the season of Lent. In New Orleans, it’s also a major economic boost, drawing millions of visitors and pumping hundreds of millions of dollars into the local economy.
So, if you ever find yourself in New Orleans for Mardi Gras, don’t forget to yell “Laissez les bon temps rouler!” (Let the good times roll!)
