Mardi Gras Celebrations
Mardi Gras, or Shrove Tuesday, is a festival that culminates on the day before Ash Wednesday. It is a celebration of the end of the carnival season, which begins after the Christian feasts of Epiphany and ends on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Fat Tuesday.
Changing Traditions
The traditions and customs of Mardi Gras have changed over the years. Some krewes throw beads, others throw dirt or food. The tradition of throwing beads dates back to the early 1800s, but today, most krewes purchase plastic beads. In the past, krewes threw glass beads, but these have been phased out since the 1970s. Nowadays, locals recycle used Mardi Gras beads at the ARC of New Orleans.
Festive Celebrations
The celebration of Mardi Gras can feel like a festive parade or a party. It happens every year before Lent, and there are many traditional activities that can make the festival unforgettable. Some of these activities include king cakes, invitation-only galas, and secret identities of krewe kings.
Origins of Mardi Gras
The origins of Mardi Gras are unknown, but many believe that the festival originated from pagan celebrations. The word Mardi Gras derives from the Latin phrase Martis dies, which means "Mars dies," which is a reference to the planet Mars, the deity of the third day of the week. Its name, Gras, is also a misnomer, and is usually pronounced g-ree-us, not c-ree-z-ree-us.
The First Celebration
The first known celebration of Mardi Gras took place in 1699, when French explorers landed near New Orleans, Louisiana. The explorers named the location of their camp "Point du Mardi Gras". After a year or two, Mardi Gras celebrations in the area continued with lavish dinners, street parties, and masked balls. However, during the Spanish occupation of New Orleans, the Spanish era banned many of the more rowdy rituals and activities. The bans lasted until 1812, when Louisiana gained independence from Spain.
Parade Season
During the parade season, there are many places where you can watch the festivities. For example, Bourbon Street is one of the most popular venues for watching the festivities. But it can get crowded, so people bring ladders to get the best view of the parades. You can also watch the parade from the street, but it's better to arrive at least a few hours before it begins.
Watching from a Balcony
You can also watch the parades from a balcony, enjoying the unique local atmosphere of selebration. This is the best option for those who want a view without a lot of crowd noise. However, you should keep in mind that most venues will charge for this service, so you should make sure you make a reservation in advance to avoid disappointment. This way, you'll have a good view and a chance to enjoy the festivities while getting close to the action.
Mardi Gras in the Face of Challenges
Despite the safety concerns and other challenges related to the recent Covid epidemic, the Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans is now back on its feet. Most parades and events will take place around February 18th. The weekends surrounding Mardi Gras will be packed with events.
Mardi Gras Celebrations in the Southern United States
Mardi Gras is a celebration of the carnival season that takes place in the Southern United States. It begins the day after Epiphany, the Christian feast of Epiphany, and culminates the day before Ash Wednesday, also known as Shrove Tuesday. During this time, there are many parades and celebrations, including the King Cake in New Orleans.
Celebrations in New Orleans
During Mardi Gras celebrations, the French Quarter is the hub of the festivities. This is where the parades are held, and you'll find beautiful European architecture and colorful exteriors. Traditional parades pass through this area, and if you're lucky, you'll be able to watch from a balcony overlooking the action.
The celebrations go on until Fat Tuesday. The first African American Krewe was the Zulu Krewe, and it provided the African American population a chance to be a part of Mardi Gras. Nowadays, most of the Krewes are open to the public, though there are also some private, secret krewes that only a few people know about.
There are many ways to celebrate Mardi Gras, including soaking up the culture with food and drink. However, you should be aware that the festivities take place early in the year, making them a bit chilly. It's best to bring warm clothes or even wear a sweater if you plan to partake in the raucous festivities.
Parades
Mardi Gras is an annual holiday in Louisiana, and New Orleans is an important part of the celebrations. The festival lasts for two weeks, through the day before Ash Wednesday. During this time, there are several large parades every day. In New Orleans, there are usually at least one large parade per day, but many days will feature several large parades.
There are many types of parades, including masked ones and parades honoring the indigenous people or Father Mississippi. Traditionally, the parades featured masked horsemen dressed in a gold velvet uniform. Spectators often gave them drinks as they paraded through the streets. Depending on the type of parade, you may also see military or high school marching bands showcasing their skills and talents.
King Cake Tradition
If you're planning to celebrate Mardi Gras, you'll want to make a King Cake. These cakes have an ancient history and are a staple of the celebration. They originated in Europe, where they contained trinkets for the baby Jesus. Later, settlers from Spain and France brought this tradition to the southeastern United States. Today, king cakes are a staple of Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans.
To make a king cake, start by mixing together softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until well combined. Next, add one egg and beat for about 3 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and mix until smooth. Add vanilla and milk if desired. Once the dough has risen, it's ready to be baked. You can serve the cake immediately, or you can cover it with plastic wrap or Silpat.
King Cake in Galveston
If you're looking for a unique and delicious way to celebrate Mardi Gras, then head to Galveston. Local restaurants are adding Mardi Gras flare to their menus this carnival season. Yaga's Cafe is offering a special King Cake brunch the first two weekends in February, and you'll also find the King Cake on the menu at Mosquito Cafe. Other popular Galveston restaurants offering Mardi Gras fare include Gypsy Joynt, Patty Cakes, and Maceo's Spice and Import Company. You can also pick up a small party pack at La Cocina by Chef Mary Bass, which features a small selection of dishes for a group of guests.
King Cakes are a traditional part of Mardi Gras celebrations, and Galveston has the largest Mardi Gras celebration in Texas. Many bakeries ship king cakes to visitors, but you'll need to call ahead to order one. If you're looking for a traditional king cake, you can also order one online from Gracious Bakery + Cafe. You can find the king cake mix at their website, but make sure to place an order during their business hours as this bakery often sells out. You can also order a cream cheese king cake from Randazzo's Camellia City Bakery, but be warned: king cakes here tend to sell out fast.
King Cake in New Orleans
One of the most traditional foods to eat during the Mardi Gras season is the King Cake. It's a yeast-raised, icing-covered ring that's topped with traditional colors. You can make your own king cake or order one from a New Orleans bakery. During the celebration, bakeries often give each customer a baby plastic to poke into the cake. The winner gets the honor of bringing the king cake to the next Mardi Gras party.
The King Cake tradition dates back to ancient Roman times. The first King Cakes were eaten on Epiphany, also known as the Twelfth Night, which is the day when Jesus first revealed himself to the wisemen. Today, the tradition is celebrated in countries across the world.
