Mardi Gras Corner

Mardi Gras History and Trivia

• Mardi Gras has its roots in pagan seasonal rituals, most likely as a celebration designed to welcome the coming spring.

• The Fast of 40 Days, celebrated by the Romans as early as the mid-second century, included feasting, costumes, and dancing.

• During the Middle Ages, Europe began shaping the pagan traditions into modern Carnival traditions and embracing the season as part of its Roman Catholic rituals.



• In 1699, a French explorer, Iberville, brought Mardi Gras to America when he arrived at a spot about 60 miles south of present-day New Orleans. His native country had celebrated Mardi Gras for centuries, so in honor of his local traditions, he named the spot Point du Mardi Gras.

• By the late 1700's, Mardi Gras balls and festivals were common in French-ruled New Orleans. When Spain began ruling New Orleans, the festivals were banned, however in 1823, balls were once again allowed, and in 1827, street masking was legal again.

• 1837 is the first documented New Orleans parade.

• In 1857, the Krewe of Comus was formed, and the term "krewe" was added to the Mardi Gras lingo. Comus started many of the traditions we know today, such as having themed parades with floats and holding after-parade balls.

• The Twelfth Night Revelers started the King Cake tradition in 1871.

• The Krewe of Rex debuted in 1872, starting the tradition of the "King of Carnival", and introducing the official colors of Mardi Gras - purple, gold and green.

• In 1909, Zulu began as a parody of Rex. The Zulu King,holding a banana stalk scepter and wearing a lard can crown, arrived on on oyster boat instead of a steamboat.

• The years up to the present day have seen many more krewes being formed, truck riders becoming part of the parade, tractor-driven floats, and the popularity of the season spreading across the United States.

• Carnival season begins with the Epiphany, also known as Twelfth Night. Twelfth Night, which falls on January 6, 12 days after Christmas, celebrates the visit of the Wise Men to the infant Jesus. King's Cake was traditionally served on Epiphany beginning in France in the 12th century. A coin or bean was hidden inside the cake, and whoever found the item was said to have good luck in the coming year. Current traditions now put a small plastic baby, representing the baby Jesus, in the cake. The person who finds the baby is then expected to provide the next King Cake.