Mardi Gras Essentials

If you do not live in New Orleans, there are some things about Mardi Gras that require explanation. Mardi Gras is a centuries old tradition, which has evolved, and continues to do so, and has its own unique terminology. Some of our time-honored traditions here in New Orleans are not allowed in other cities. Many of our traditions and customs are foreign to visitors, and are not easily understood. If this is you, hopefully this article will remove some of the mystery.

Mardi Gras Organizations

Mardi Gras is a celebration that is entirely sponsored and supported by private citizens. Mardi Gras Organizations are, for the most part, private clubs, comprised of dues paying members. Membership is usually by invitation. They are sometimes referred to as "Krewes". The organization's annual highlight is its Mardi Gras Ball, and of course, the Mardi Gras Parade.

Mardi Gras Parades

Mardi Gras parades are financed entirely by the members' contributions. This includes the production of the floats, the procurement of Mardi Gras "throws", and the rental of tractors to pull the floats. Marching bands are invited to participate. Night parades used to be illuminated by torches and "flambeaux", but now use battery and generator powered electric lighting. The parades follow an established route, and are followed by the main event, the Mardi Gras Ball.

Mardi Gras parades are unique. Most of the world has parades in which the parading members politely wave to the spectators, who politely watch and wave back. Mardi Gras parades are interactive. Parade members not only wave, but they toss "throws" to the crowds who are participants, not spectators. They are very pro-active in stampeding to catch as much of this "loot" as they can. The throws consist of beads, plastic cups, doubloons, trinkets, and other items that may include Moon Pies, underwear, and even coconuts, from the Zulu Krewe.

Mardi Gras Balls

Mardi Gras Balls are the highlight of the organization's annual festivities. The King and Queen reign, and hold court with the dukes and captains. All enjoy a good time of dancing and pageantry. Members are allowed to invite guests (it's black tie), and such invitations are prized and are much in demand. For most organizations, the identity of the reigning monarch is a closely guarded secret, until just before the parade. For Rex, the King's identity is released on the day before (Lundi Gras).

Mardi Gras Costumes

Costumes and masks are a long time tradition on Mardi Gras Day. People spend all year making costumes that glorify heroes, ridicule public figures, or poke fun at customs, traditions, or current events. It is sarcasm, parody, satire, ridicule and spoof. It is the ultimate animated "editorial cartoon", expressed only as "John Q. Public" can. The costumes can be quite elaborate, and costly. Masking is permitted only on Mardi Gras Day, and masks must be removed at dark. And, on Mardi Gras night, at the stroke of midnight, Mardi Gras is over.

Mardi Gras Food

Without question, the King Cake symbolizes Mardi Gras. In reality, Mardi Gras food includes all of those things that became customary along the parade route. People would arrive very early in the morning to claim a good location for viewing the parade. Ice chests filled with drinks, and bags, boxes and baskets of food would be brought along. The food would consist of sandwiches, snacks, hotdogs, hamburgers (some would actually bring their grills), Popeye's Fried Chicken, potato salad, donuts, beignets, and hot roasted peanuts. If you run out, there are street vendors ready to assist.