While Carnival, or Mardi Gras, is celebrated in many parts of the world, the Mardi Gras of New Orleans has its own special flavor. Meaning “Fat Tuesday” in French, Mardi Gras can be traced back to Medieval Europe, as the final parties before the 40 days of Lenten fasting and self-deprivation, which precede Easter. Eventually, it became more associated with the Catholic faith than the Protestant ones. The Mardi Gras was brought to New Orleans by the original French and Spanish settlers in the 1700s. Today, it is a time of costumes, parade floats, masks, beads, King Cakes, and general reverie. Although Mardi Gras is celebrated in other parts of Louisiana and Alabama, Bourbon Street, in the French Section of New Orleans, is most famous for its Mardi Gras celebrations.
Mardi Gras Background & History
The History of Mardi Gras: The background and history of Mardi Gras traditions
The Mardi Gras Experience: Take a look back at how it all started!
Mardi Gras and Its History: The history of the celebrations
Parades
Watch the Parade Begin!: View the parade action from a live web cam.
When is the Parade?: The schedule for the 2010 parades and other Mardi Gras activities
Updates on the Events: Parade information and news
Blaine Kern Studios: The artists responsible for the floats, sculptures, and props of the New Orleans Mardi Gras Parades
Costumes
Bourbon Street Awards: Photographs of some of the costumes seen at Mardi Gras
Costumes! Costumes!: A site with a photo collection of people in Mardi Gras costumes
Beads and Masks
The History of Mardi Gras Beads: How this Mardi Gras tradition got its start
Behind the Mask: The traditional Cajun Mardi Gras run, the changing role of women in the celebration, and the use of masks
Mardi Gras for Kids
Mardi Gras Activities: Make masks, play games, and learn about Mardi Gras.
Fancy Masks: Make sparkly masks for Mardi Gras.
What Do You Know About Mardi Gras?: A Mardi Gras quiz for kids
Mardi Gras Resources: A page of links with activities and information for kids
Throw Your Own Mardi Gras Party
Tastes and Sounds of the Mardi Gras: Some ideas for costumes, food, and tunes
Having a Kid-Friendly Mardi Gras: Throwing a Mardi Gras Party for kids
Bon Appetit!: Recipes for your Mardi Gras Party
More Mardi Gras Resources
New Orleans Mardi Gras: An excellent resource for planning a Mardi Gras trip
Professor Carl Nivale's Mardi Gras Manual: The history and traditions of Mardi Gras with a section on family fun
Meet the Krewes: Information on all the Krewes (Parade Clubs) that you’ll see at Mardi Gras
The Mardi Gras Indians: Learn about the Mardi Gras Indians – Unique to New Orleans!
New Orleans Resources
Welcome to New Orleans!: The official tourism bureau for New Orleans
Things to do in New Orleans: Local attractions and tools to plan your stay
Experience New Orleans!: Find hotels, restaurants, and local attractions
Everything New Orleans: Get acquainted with NOLA!
Written by Michael S. Atwood