What Exactly is Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday)?

Mardi Gras, French for Fat Tuesday, is a Roman Catholic tradition marked by indulging in rich, decadent foods on the day before Ash Wednesday, which begins Lent—a 40-day period of fasting and penitence leading up to Easter Sunday. Today, Mardi Gras celebrations have expanded to include wearing masks and costumes, vibrant parades, balls, and lively parties. Although the term Mardi Gras (pronounced Mar-dee Grah) is often used to describe the entire Carnival season, it technically refers only to the final day of the festival, Fat Tuesday; still, it is common and acceptable to speak of the Mardi Gras season when referring to the weeks leading up to that day. The official Mardi Gras colors—purple, green, and gold—symbolize justice, faith, and power, respectively.

Where Is Mardi Gras Celebrated?

French settlers introduced Mardi Gras to the United States, and the Mystic Krewe of Comus organized the first large-scale parade in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1857, establishing a tradition that has flourished ever since. New Orleans continues to serve as the heart of the nation's most renowned and elaborate Mardi Gras celebrations, drawing visitors from across the world to experience its vibrant parades, colorful floats, and lively street parties. Beyond New Orleans, other Gulf Coast cities have developed their own rich Mardi Gras customs and events, including Mobile, Alabama, which claims to have the oldest Mardi Gras celebration in the country, as well as Biloxi, Mississippi, and Galveston, Texas. These cities contribute to a regional tapestry of extravagant festivities, each offering unique traditions, music, and community spirit that highlight the cultural significance and enduring appeal of Mardi Gras throughout the southern United States.

What is a Krewe?

Called mystic societies in Alabama and krewes in Louisiana and in Texas, these organizations present parades, parties, masquerade balls (bal masques), and other activities for the enjoyment of their members, guests, and the public. A krewe (pronounced like crew) is generally led by a captain or president and may host additional events throughout the year, many of which serve to support selected charities or civil causes. Originally, krewes were secret and highly exclusive associations often limited to relatives of previous members; but now, many are open to anyone wishing to pay the membership fees which typically range from twenty bucks to thousands of dollars per year. Conditions for membership vary with some krewes requiring members to help build floats and/or make their own costumes, although many of the wealthier krewes just hire professionals to accomplish those tasks.

The King and the Cake

Commemorating the Epiphany (the visitation of the Biblical Magi to the Baby Jesus) krewes traditionally bake (or buy) a king cake in honor of the three kings. This ring of twisted sweet bread is topped with icing and decorated with sugary sprinkles or food coloring in traditional purple, green, and gold colors. Inside the cake is placed a small plastic 'baby' representing Jesus, and custom holds that the person who gets the slice of the cake with the trinket will be rewarded with good luck. This is also how krewes determine that year's reigning King and Queen for their upcoming Mardi Gras parade.

Parades & Floats

Each Mardi Gras parade is hosted by a particular krewe and consists of that krewe's own floats and sometimes the floats of other krewes that have been invited to participate, as well as additional units such as marching bands, etc. The floats are decorated in a variety of ways, but they generally portray a unifying theme which typically changes each year. Krewe members ride on the floats and interact with the crowd by throwing beads, doubloons (possibly stamped with the krewe's insignia), and other trinkets to onlookers. Some of the most prized and crowd pleasing throws include the Zulu coconut and the Moon Pie.

How to Get the Beads

Given the right place and time at Mardi Gras, you will certainly be sure to find some guy standing atop a balcony slowing waving around a sparkling set of beads waiting for the right girl who will display her, ahem, 'assets' in exchange for them. However, that's not typical everywhere; and it's definitely not the only way to load up on the treasured jewels. Here are a few tips:

Just ask.

Calling out Throw me something, Mister! is the standard way to request an item toss.

Make eye contact

Throwers are less inclined to launch items toward people who are not paying attention. Who wants to bean some poor sap in the head when he's not watching?

Do not approach the float.

In order to maintain crowd safety, krewe members are often instructed to refrain from giving throws to people who approach the float.

Stand out in the crowd.

Show your desire for trinkets by calling out, waving your hands, or jumping up and down.

Be interesting.

Bead throwers like to be entertained too; so if you can impress them with an original costume, creative accessories, or a funny sign, you just may be rewarded with some extra goodies!

Mardi Gras is, ultimately, what each person chooses to make of it—a vibrant celebration full of joy, community, and tradition. Whether you dive into the rich, flavorful foods, savor some carefully crafted brews, or simply soak up the lively atmosphere among fellow revelers, the experience is shaped by your own spirit of fun and openness. It is a time to embrace the unexpected, connect with people who share your enthusiasm, and create memories that linger long after the parades have ended. So step into the festivities with an open heart and a sense of adventure, and by all means, Laissez les bons temps rouler! (pronounced lay-zay lay bon ton role-ay), which means Let the good times roll!—a fitting invitation to celebrate life, laughter, and the joy of togetherness.