Mardi Gras: More Than Just Beads, It's a Deeply Rooted Tradition

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Mardi Gras is often seen as a wild party filled with beads and parades, but its roots run much deeper in history, culture, and tradition. From the meaning behind 'Fat Tuesday' to the significance of krewes and Mardi Gras colors, this article delves into the real story behind the iconic New Orleans celebration.

Why it matters

Understanding the true meaning and traditions of Mardi Gras allows visitors to experience the holiday in a more authentic way, rather than just seeing it as a tourist trap. Mardi Gras is a deeply personal celebration for locals that reflects their cultural identity and community values.

The details

Mardi Gras dates back thousands of years to ancient Roman festivals, but the version we recognize today began to take shape in Europe, particularly in France. When French settlers arrived in Louisiana in the late 1600s, they brought these traditions with them. By the 1800s, Mardi Gras began to look more like the spectacle we know today, with organized parades, costumes, balls, and the creation of elite social clubs called krewes. The classic Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold were officially introduced by the Krewe of Rex in 1872 and symbolize justice, faith, and power respectively. The tradition of 'throws' - small gifts tossed from floats to parade-goers - is also an integral part of the celebration.

• Mardi Gras celebrations date back thousands of years to ancient Roman festivals.
• The first documented Mardi Gras celebration in what is now the U.S. occurred in 1699.
• By the 1800s, Mardi Gras began to look more like the spectacle we know today.
• The Krewe of Rex officially introduced the classic Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold in 1872.