|
If you love Mardi Gras, then New Orleans, Louisiana, is the place to visit. In fact, New Orleans just may be the ultimate home of just what may be the ultimate party.
For years people have flooded this vibrant Southern city in search of the definitive festivity; and that is exactly what they find at Mardi Gras. Over a two-week period, the streets of the city are filled with parades featuring vibrant, endlessly creative floats and brightly clothed and masked participants; masks, beads and feathers are part of the dress code and spirits run high.
Music and food are also part of the Mardi Gras tradition in New Orleans.
On a year round basis, the clubs of Bourbon Street resound with live music, particularly blues and jazz; and during Mardi Gras people dance in the streets to a whole spectrum of musical styles.
In terms of food, king cakes are among the treats of choice for Mardi Gras tradition. Each of these festively decorated cakes of Danish dough, originally baked in honor of the three kings acknowledged as a part of Christian tradition, contains a small baby figure made of plastic, porcelain or gold. Entire parties have been built around the king cake, also featuring a vast variety of rich meats and spice dishes.
These and other Mardi Gras parties should always come complete with a full array of party supplies. These might include miniature plastic masks that could be handed out as party favors, and of course endless strings of vivid, sparkly beads. All tableware should be emblazoned in hues of red, gold, green and purple, and centerpieces should be large and luminous. Rainbow-colored piñatas are a must as well.
An amazing place to visit for Mardi Gras is New Orleans, Louisiana, the universally recognized home of this festive holiday.
|
Right click to copy the the printable Mardi Gras puzzle below.
|
Right click to copy the the printable Mardi Gras puzzle
|
* Mardi Gras, which is a carnival, is celebrated all over the world.
It is most popular in New Orleans and Brazil.
* Mardi Gras is French for fat Tuesday (mardi = Tuesday and gras = fat).
* In the middle ages the day before Lent people would sacrifice a fatten ox for a carnival feast.
* Mardi Gras is the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.
* It is a holiday originating from ancient pagan traditions that were Christianized by the Catholic Church.
* The first historical evidence of Mardi Gras traditions in America dates to 1699 by French explorers near the Mississippi River, about 60 miles south of present day New Orleans.
* The Carnival season is a Twelfth Night feast of the Epiphany.
* According to Christian beliefs, the Epiphany is the day that the three kings, or Wise Men, visited the Christ Child.
* Huges parades take place where people wear costumes and masks. Merrymakers dance and make music in the street. Krewes or organizations build floats and throw beads and other shinny, sparkly items to crowds of people.
|
Educational Mardi Gras History Learning Guide
Mardi Gras Party Supplies
