Mardi Gras, the magical time of year when the air is filled with the sweet scent of King Cake. Beads are tossed from balconies like confetti, and everyone is dressed up in their most extravagant costumes. Let’s dive into the history and traditions surrounding this festive occasion. keep reading to learn how to celebrate Mardi Gras.

Origin Of Mardi Gras

First, let’s answer the most basic question: What is Mardi Gras? Also known as “Fat Tuesday,” Mardi Gras is a carnival celebration that takes place on the day before the Christian season of Lent begins. Lent is a period of fasting and sacrifice that lasts for 40 days and ends with Easter Sunday. Thus, Mardi Gras is the last hurrah before the solemnity of Lent. Mardi Gras day is the 21st of February.

The Mardi Gras celebration leads back to medieval Europe, where it was customary to hold a feast before the start of Lent. The French brought this tradition to the New World when they settled in present-day Louisiana. Then, Mardi Gras soon became an integral part of the local culture.

Today, Carnaval Mardi Gras is celebrated in cities worldwide, but perhaps none more famously than in New Orleans. The festivities there begin weeks before Fat Tuesday. Parades, parties, and general revelry took over the city. People dress up in elaborate costumes, dance in the streets, and indulge in all manner of food and drink.

Mardi Gras and Magic

It turns out that the holiday has some interesting connections to magic and mysticism. In some cultures, Mardi Gras is a time when the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds is especially thin. Very similar to Halloween, this makes it easier to connect with spirits and ancestors. In the voodoo tradition, for example, Mardi Gras is a time for honoring the spirits and seeking their guidance.

Of course, only some people who celebrate Mardi Gras are interested in its mystical aspects. For many, it’s simply a chance to let loose and have a good time before the solemnity of Lent sets in. And who can blame them? In a world that can often feel grim and oppressive, a little bit of Mardi Gras magic can be just what the doctor ordered. Then get your prescription of Mardi Gras 2023 from us!

Mardi Gras Activities

Then get your prescription of Mardi Gras 2023 from us!

Mardi Gras Outfits

Mardi Gras costumes and outfits are an integral part of the festivities, allowing participants to express their creativity and embrace the spirit of the holiday. From elaborate ball gowns to whimsical animal costumes, there’s no limit to what you might see on the streets during Mardi Gras. 

Masks are also a common accessory, allowing people to let loose and indulge in a bit of anonymity. Some Mardi Gras costumes even have roots in traditional folklore and mythology, such as the iconic Mardi Gras Indians who don vibrant, hand-sewn suits inspired by Native American and African cultures. Whether you’re a seasoned Mardi Gras veteran or a first-time participant, the right costume can help you get into the festive spirit and make memories that last a lifetime.

Mardi Gras Colors

The colors of Mardi Gras hold deep symbolic meaning. Purple represents justice, green represents faith, and gold represents power. These colors were chosen by the Rex Krewe, a group of prominent New Orleans citizens who established the tradition of Mardi Gras parades in the late 1800s.

Today, you’ll see these colors everywhere during the Mardi Gras season, from the beads tossed from parade floats to the costumes worn by revelers. The combination of purple, green, and gold is a visual reminder of the values and ideals that the Mardi Gras celebration embodies.

Mardi Gras Theme Suggestions

• A “Masquerade Madness” theme, where everyone wears a mask and costumes are encouraged to be mysterious and elegant.
• A “Carnival of the Animals” theme, where attendees dress up as their favorite animals or mythical creatures.
• A “Mystical and Magical” theme, where the occult and the supernatural inspired costumes.
  
• A “Royal Revelry” theme, where attendees dress up in regal attire and embrace the gold, green, and purple color scheme.
  A “Fiesta de la Calle” theme, where the focus is on celebrating the culture and traditions of Latin American Mardi Gras celebrations, complete with vibrant colors and lively music.
  

No matter which theme you choose, the most important thing is to have fun and let your creativity run wild!