One of the most popular Mardis Gras parades is put on by the Krewe of Rex, founded in 1872.
It has been said that a Scotchman has not seen the world until he has seen Edinburgh; and I think that I must say that an American has not seen the United States until he has seen Mardis-Gras in New Orleans.” —Mark Twain
Most of us already know that Mardis Gras means ‘Fat Tuesday.’ It is the culmination of the Carnival season that lasts for weeks—from January 6th until Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Mardis Gras is a European celebration that dates back to the Middle Ages but today, Louisiana Mardis Gras is steeped in our own traditions we formed right here in the U.S.A.
The Krewes
Before the first ‘Krewe’ (private social club with restrictive membership) was formed in 1857, the Mardis Gras parade was no more than a simple foot and horseback affair. Nowadays, these clubs (which are completely funded by their members) use their money to finance the thematic parades. The establishment of Krewes back in the mid 1800’s led to the introduction of lavish and laboriously designed floats that we see today.
Mardis Gras Indians
Another cherished tradition is that of two Mardis Gras Indian tribes ‘battling’ on a street corner. There are more than 50 Mardis Gras Indian tribes living in New Orleans, and they spend all year creating their costumes and practicing theatrics for when they encounter another tribe during Mardis Gras, during which ritualized dancing, singing, and chanting ensues.
The Flambeaux Tradition
The Flambeaux or torch-carrier tradition dates back to the 1800s when slaves or free African-Americans would carry gaslight torches during the night festivities. The purpose of them at first was to light the way for parade-goers and floats when the streets were not well lit. Today, the flame carriers have become a tradition that involves more than just carrying a torch—these talented revelers spin, twirl, throw and dip the torches all while keeping them lit.
King Cakes
These can be found all over New Orleans during Carnival season. The tradition of the cake is as old as the holiday itself. It dates back to the Middle Ages when, during Christmastime, the Three Wise Men were celebrated as much as the birth of Jesus Christ. In some cultures, the Twelfth Night after the birth of Christ is the end of Christmas and the Epiphany. In many cultures still today, it is a time for pageants and giving gifts—one being the king’s cake. It is a Danish braided pastry sprinkled with spiced cinnamon and gold, purple, and green sprinkles. Inside the cake, a tiny plastic baby is hidden; whoever finds it (or eats it accidentally) is required by tradition to buy the next cake.
Showing Skin for Mardis Gras Beads
This tradition formed in the 1970s when Mardis Gras started earning its reputation as a rowdy event filled with tourists and other drunken fools taking over the French Quarter. Even when a ban was put forth to prevent the Kewe parades from going down the streets, people flooded to this area (especially Bourbon Street) where the tradition of showing skin to earn beads began. You can imagine what it means to see a woman walking about in layers and layers of beads. Most locals dislike this tradition and the chaos it brings to the city and will avoid the French Quarter this particular week.
New Orleans and Louisiana in general have such a historically rich culture with so many diverse traditions, it’s hard to compare it to any other place in America. Are we missing any key points? Do you have any traditions you carry out that are particular to your area? Let us know in the comments!
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