The word “Mardi Gras” has French meaning “Fat Tuesday”. It represents the Carnival celebrations which includes dancing and parades, social event, sports competitions etc. People used to wear masks and costumes in the streets. Although it is fun and joy for the tourist to party in the streets but actually many mysteries are associated with the historic carnival season.
10. Krewes
The word krewe represents the group of people in the parade, dancing and throwing candies and gifts to the viewers. Many Krewes join the parade, each krewe with a captain and some members. The members of the krewe planned for the whole year secretly about the carnival. On the day of parade they wear masks. The most famous and large group is called Zulu and Rex.
9. Colors of Mardi Gras – Purple, Green and Gold
The purple, green and gold are the colors of Mardi Gras. They are seen all over throughout carnival season. These colors are the inspiration of members of kerwe Rex, from a visit of Russian Duke in 1872. From then the purple, green and gold, the symbolic colors Mardi Gras. The colors also represent some meaning. Purple shows justice, green shows and gold shows power.
8. Beads and Throws
There is the old tradition of throwing beads and small jewels from the parade. The beaded necklaces made from glass, were thrown formerly, later they were made of plastic and now it includes many things like stuffed animals, plastic cups, small toys.
7. Doubloons
Doubloons were found when we go in the beginning of 1700s. They are thrown by the kerwes during the parade. They are the two sided coins with its mark and foundation date on one side and theme of the parade on the other side.
6. The Golden Nugget
These are the coconuts thrown by Mardi Gras parade. They are called Golden Nuggets, drained and hand painted. These are less costly then expensive glass beads. Now they are forbidden to be thrown instead they are to be handed to the crowd as the are very valuable for the viewers and difficult to catch.
5. King Cake
Conventionally, a King Cake is an oval shaped coffee cake, braided and covered with purple, green and gold icing sugar. Now these cakes come with the filling of cream cheese, nuts, pecans or a variety of fruit flavors.
4. Masked Riders
All the members of the passing riders except for the captain wear the mask in the parade. It is the law of the city to wear mask during the parade. Krewe members choose to wear different mask. Some wear cloth mask and some used to paint their face.
3. Mardi Gras Balls
The history of ball parties organized by the kerwes is found in 1800s. At these balls, King and Queen of the Krewe are formally introduced. Private invitations are sent by the kerwes to visit their ball. Also some krewes sale their ball tickets publically.
2. The Flambeaux
The Flambeaux were traditionally the people who hold a large fire torches in front of the floats. In the past when there were no electric street lights for the parades, flambeaux show the path to the riders.
1. Mardi Gras Indians
Mardi Gras Indians are unusual thing at Mardi Gras parades. Previously Indians in the parades were the people around the city. They used to make their own kind of Krewe and named them after their streets. They costumed as a Spy, the Flag boy and the Big Chief. Indians randomly join the parade time or the streets to follow.
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