Mardi Gras

In New Orleans, Mardi Gras is one of the famous Carnival celebrations known all around the globe. Mardi Gras is the French word for ‘Fat Tuesday’ and is also the day which comes prior to Ash Wednesday. This carnival season starts after the Twelfth Night on January 6th. This season is famous for balls (masquerade balls), king cake parties and parades. Traditionally, this season has always been par t of winter social season and ‘coming out’ celebrations for young ladies (debutante balls) once used to be timed during this carnival season. The celebrations are resoluted for two weeks prior to and through the Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday). Usually, at least one major parade occurs during every day of the two weeks if the weather permits and on many important days, a visitor can see many large parades. In the carnival’s final week, many small and large events occur in the surrounding areas and throughout the New Orleans area.

Carnival Krewes organize the New Orleans parades. The float riders throw ‘throws’ towards the crowds which include strings of colorful and plastic beads, decorated throw cups, and small cheap toys. The major (Krewes) organizers follow similar routes and schedules every year. Most of the tourists center their activities on the Bourbon street and French Quarter. Although, no major parade has ever entered the French Quarter since the year 1972 due to the obstructions and narrow streets. Instead of them, the major parades start Mid City and Uptown districts and follow the route along Canal Street and St. Charles Avenue (upriver portion of French Quarter). The term Mardi Gras is usually used for the whole season, but it always refers to a single Tuesday before lent.

Purple, gold and green are the traditional colors for Mardi Gras. The color purple resembles justice, gold resembles power and green resembles faith. The Mardi Gras day can fall between 3rd February and 9th March and depends on the year. The Mardi Gras day for the year 2010 falls on Tuesday, 16th February. On the day, the Zulu parade starts first from Uptown. The Rex Parade follows it and both the parades end on Canal Street. Many smaller parades follow the Rex Parade and various walking clubs and small parades also parade around New Orleans. The clubs include KOE, Pete Fountain’s Half Fast Walking Club, Lyons Club and Jefferson City Buzzards. All the clubs include one jazz band at least. The Society of Saint Anne parades from Bywater through the French Quarter and Marigny to join Rex parade on the Canal Street.