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Featured Mardi Gras Party Ideas Article
Mardi Gras History and Facts
By Leslie BlumensteinThe origins of Mardi Gras can be traced to Medival Europe, though we have no written record of how that really transformed into the current Mardi Gras of today. But the origins of the Mardi Gras we celebrate today, with Kings, Mardi Gras colors, and brass bands are traced to New Orleans. Mardi Gras came to New Orleans through its French heritage in 1699. Early explorers celebrated this French Holiday on the banks of the Mississippi River. Throughout the years, Orleanians have added to the celebration by establishing krewes (organizations) which host parades and balls. Carnival quickly became an exciting holiday for both children and adults. Mardi Gras means "Fat Tuesday" and of course is celebrated on that day of the week. The date can fall between ...
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Reasons to Celebrate
- May 15, Armed Forces Day
- May 19, Shavou'ot / Pentecost
- May 31, Memorial Day
- June 5, World Environment Day
- June 14, Flag Day
- June 20, Father's Day
- June 21, Summer Solstice
- July 1, Canada Day
- July 4, Independence Day
- July 25, Parents Day
- August 1, Friendship Day
- August 4, Coast Guard Day
- August 11, Ramadan
- August 26, Women's Equality Day
Mardi Gras Fun Facts
- Mardi Gras literally means "Fat Tuesday." It is the day before the season of Lent begins. For centuries, people around the globe have sowed their wild oats in preparation for the Christian season of fasting and repentance prior to Easter.
- King Cakes are oval, sugared pastries that contains a plastic doll hidden inside. More than 750,000 king cakes are annually consumed in the metro New Orleans area during the Carnival season.
- The traditional colors associate with Mardi Gras are purple, green, and gold. Purple is for justice, green for faith and gold for power.
- The tradition of throwing beads (throws) by float riders to the crowd began in the 1870's.
- An economic study released by the University of New Orleans estimated that Mardi Gras generates over $840 million annually.
- The largest of about one dozen Mardi Gras supply houses in New Orleans sold 41 million pairs of beads for Mardi Gras in recent years.
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