10 Things to help you understand Mardi Gras
- Abigail Gaston
- Mar 6, 2019
- 4 min read
As most of you already know, today is the ever famous Mardi Gras or ''Fat Tuesday" as many call it. So, while you are stuffing your bellies full of fatty foods, tipping back the spirits, and full on enjoying the celebration; I have prepared a list of 10 things you must know about Mardi Gras, to best understand why it truly is a major yearly must do for some!
1. Mardi Gras first originated in Europe during the Medieval Era.
Mardi Gras has been said to have started in Italy; Rome and Venice, to be specific. The famous celebration eventually reached the French House of the Bourbons - a European royal house.
2. Although most popular in New Orleans, the first US Mardi Gras celebration did not take place in NOLA.
Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville (that is a mouth full), a French-Canadian settler founded a plot of land about 60 miles south of New Orleans in 1699 on the eve of Mardi Gras. He named this plot of land "Pointe du Mardi Gras" in honor of the French celebration and threw a small party in honor of the much loved day.
3. When did Mardi Gras take off in New Orleans?
The first Mardi Gras celebration took place soon after the cities establishment in 1718. However, in 1762, the Spanish overtook Louisiana and pretty much put a ca-bosh to the crazy street parties, masquerade celebrations, and the all around shenanigans of Mardi Gras. Pretty much, the party was dead from 1762 to 1800.
4. How did the city finally reestablish Mardi Gras in New Orleans?
The United States claimed Louisiana as a territory in 1803 and on April 30, 1812; Louisiana became the 18th US state. However, the US also shared the Spaniards disapproving view on Mardi Gras; therefore, the rowdy party remained prohibited from public celebration. I have read that this caused private societies and groups to throw secret celebrations to honor the occasion; think of prohibition but for parties! Just because they made it illegal, doesn't mean it didn't happen... just had to be behind closed doors and on a much smaller scale.
5. When was the very first public Mardi Gras parade held in New Orleans?
Eventually, the United States gave their blessing for the city of New Orleans to bring back its long-running tradition. 135 years after the first Mardi Gras celebration took place, the people of New Orleans took to the street in celebration of Mardi Gras. On 1837, the very first street parade took place in New Orleans.
6. Why is Mardi Gras also called Fat Tuesday?
Simply put, Mardi Gras means "Fat Tuesday" in French. Fat Tuesday represents the final day of eating bountiful, lavish and fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season in the Christian tradition.
7. How long does Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras last?
We know that Fat Tuesday and Mardi Gras are synonymous in their meaning and primary day of celebration; the last day of Carnival and the day before Ash Wednesday. Over the years, the New Orleans event, "Mardi Gras," has actually grown to be nearly a week-long celebration. So, although Fat Tuesday refers only to the day before Ash Wednesday, in New Orleans, it is suggested you show up for the entire weekend before the actual Tuesday main event.
8. Does Mardi Gras fall on a specific day of year?
Although Mardi Gras always falls on the day before Ash Wednesday, it can come as early as February 5 or as late as March 9.
2020 - February 25
2021 - February 16
2022 - March 1
2023 - February 21
2024 - February 13
9. What is an acceptable New Orleans Mardi Gras outfit?
You can literally wear whatever you want. From masks to glitter, to costumes, to beads, to body paint, to the simple t-shirt and jeans, to whatever you want - no holds barred, honestly. Advice, if you are planning a trip to NOLA during Mardi Gras and you are interested in going the costume route, just Google your way through your costume design. And, remember, if you are not dressed up, you will be the odd ball out.
10. Lastly, be prepared.
If you are planning a vacation to New Orleans during Mardi Gras, keep in mind that so are hundreds of thousands of other individuals, possibly even into the millions (1.2 million in vacationed to New Orleans during Mardi Gras in 2011). Point, you ask? Space is tight; elbow to elbow tight, at times. If you are not a people person, perhaps this is not your kind of vacation.
Additionally, this is not your normal vacation. There is no real normalcy in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. Things are wilder than normal, wackier than normal, and weirder than normal. And, the above intensifies 10 fold after midnight.
So, now that you have a little bit of history, a few facts, and an idea of what to expect, is Mardi Gras in New Orleans officially on your bucket list or nay?
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