Mardi Gras

Annual New Orleans Mardi Gras parade
What is Mardi Gras?
When you think of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, what probably comes to mind is how wild the French Quarter of New Orleans gets during Mardi Gras. Do you know, however, the real meaning and history of Mardi Gras and its place in New Orleans' history? Read on to find out more about this grand old New Orleans tradition.

New Orleans Mardi Gras harlequin jester costume ideas
Why wear a costume for Mardi Gras?
Costumes are not just for Halloween. It is traditional to dress up in costume for Mardi Gras as well. Those participating in the parade will generally be those in elaborate handmade and homemade costumes, while parade-goers tend to favour a quick store-bought costume. Some of the most popular costumes for Mardi Gras are the harlequin and jester type costumes. Costumes can run the gamut from silly to sexy, and everything in between! Either way guarantees a great and fun time on Mardi Gras for ...

Mardi Gras harlequin fabric, ribbons, and notions
Need fabric for a harlequin costume?
If you're planning to make a harlequin costume for Mardi Gras, Halloween, or a masquerade party, you know that it can be difficult to find just the right harlequin fabric for your costume. Black and white is always a popular choice, but you might also want to choose something in the Mardi Gras colours of purple, green, and gold if you can find it. And of course, you'll want just the right ribbons and accessories to complete the look of your harlequin costume!

Pictures of beautiful Mardi Gras masks
Need photos of traditional Mardi Gras masks?
The mask is an essential part of the Mardi Gras experience, and almost every person attending a Mardi Gras parade will wish to be photographed wearing their mask. Accordingly, it is a popular subject for those who photograph Mardi Gras events. If you're looking for pictures of Mardi Gras masks, this is the place to find a selection of mask images which are licensed for commercial use.

Free printable Mardi Gras coloring pages
Looking for Mardi Gras coloring pages?
Mardi Gras designs such as masks and jesters are great to colour on a rainy afternoon. Their bright Mardi Gras colours will brighten up any dreary afternoon, and colouring whiles away the time nicely. I've located some of the best Mardi Gras colouring pages for you. The Mardi Gras line arts here are all pre-screened and kid-safe. Kids and adults alike will enjoy colouring these Mardi Gras designs!

New Orleans Mardi Gras king cake and feves
What is king cake?
The king cake itself is a round yeasted bread-like cake, normally sprinkled with coloured sugars in the Mardi Gras colours: green, gold, and violet. Some king cakes have a filling, but this is purely a personal preference. Somewhere within the cake is a feve (a trinket, named for the bean that was originally used), nowadays usually a plastic baby. The lucky recipient of the slice containing the feve is responsible for providing the king cake next year.

New Orleans Mardi Gras beads tradition
What are toss beads?
Mardi Gras beads are sometimes referred to as "toss beads" because they are thrown from floats during the Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans. This custom dates back to the 1920s. Those watchers with good proximity to the parade route are certain to come away with a handful of Mardi Gras bead necklaces. It has gotten increasingly raunchy each years as parade-watchers have been to flash in hopes of getting more beads. But we all know that's illegal and don't do that, right? Right!

New Orleans Mardi Gras party ideas and decorations
Why celebrate Mardi Gras?
For those who have never attended Mardi Gras in New Orleans, it's a sight to behold with all the parades and costumes and floats. Going to New Orleans is not possible for most people, so in that case, bring Mardi Gras to you by throwing your own party! With just a little work, all the supplies for a wonderful Mardi Gras party can be acquired to enjoy Mardi Gras in your own home. Invite some friends over and have your own celebration. If you're lucky, they might even help you clean up after!

New Orleans Mardi Gras doubloons
What are doubloons?
The coins thrown during Mardi Gras parades are generally referred to as "doubloons". They are made of anodized aluminum and come in a variety of colours -- usually the traditional Mardi Gras colours of green, gold, and violet, but other colours can be used. Each doubloon is stamped front and back with the insignia that a particular krewe has designed for that year. With the number of Mardi Gras parades and the number of krewes at each parade, it would be impossible to collect all the coins in...