Every march the eccentric city of New Orleans is reborn in an extraordinary celebration of classic Louisiana culture. Whether it is the decadent desserts, the live music, the constant partying, or the famously gigantic over the top parades, Mardi Gras is a time of tradition and exploration, a time to reminisce on the past while rejoicing in the future.
This one-of-a-kind celebration happens once a year on the weekend before Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras is the final day of the festival or what we like to call Fat Tuesday. This is the day when those celebrating Lent indulge in their earthly vices. On this day eating 7 donuts or doom scrolling for hours is socially acceptable but come noon, these behaviors must be thrown in the past and replaced with the hope of a lenten promise.
The origins of the celebration date back to ancient Europe, where it was previously celebrated as a pagan festival in commemoration of the spring season. After the emergence of Christianity, the celebration was adapted into a feast period before the season of Lent,
Although the carnival originated in Europe, like most things, North America eventually decided to adopt this celebration. French explorer Pierre Le Moyne D’iberville and his team brought Mardi Gras to modern-day New Orleans and held the first official celebration.
Today, the tradition is upheld through various Louisiana traditions such as king cake. King cake is a colorful cake shaped like a ring used to represent the three wise men.
Although Mardi Gras is modernly known as a time of partying, its religious undertones are a crucial part of the New Orleans soul.
Another important tradition is the throwing of beads, a tradition that dates back to the English Renaissance era. The tradition started when an actor playing a carnival king would throw beads to his “loyal Subjects” or rather the people celebrating Mardi Gras. While the beads started as a silly act of chivalry, it remains today an active part of the parade experience with the inexpensive beads representing the fun and vibrant culture of New Orleans.
A key part of the celebration is the wearing of masks. While on the surface this tradition appears to be a silly part of an eccentric festival, its purpose reveals a deeper significance. The masks are not worn to scare children nor to accessorize but as an act of defiance against social barriers. Under the masks, everyone is the same and is therefore to act as their most authentic and vibrant selves.
The carnival season marks the beginning of a new season, and what better way to celebrate change than to paint the town in audacious colors and reminisce on the unique history of Louisiana? The festival is more than just a month-long party for influencers, it is a means of bringing people together to celebrate a shared cultural identity. Whether you are 5 or 50, Mardi Gras is a time to celebrate life, and culture, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
