How Many Days Until Mardi Gras?

Mardi Gras means "Fat Tuesday" in French, and it is the last day of feasting before the Christian season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. The date changes every year because it is tied to Easter, falling 47 days before Easter Sunday.

🎭 Mardi Gras Traditions

🎭 Why Is New Orleans Famous for Mardi Gras?

New Orleans has celebrated Mardi Gras since 1699, when French explorers held a small celebration near the mouth of the Mississippi. The citys famous parade krewes date back to 1857. Today, Mardi Gras generates an estimated $1 billion for the New Orleans economy. Over 1 million visitors attend each year.

🌍 Is Mardi Gras Only in New Orleans?

Not at all. Rio de Janeiros Carnival is arguably the worlds biggest Mardi Gras celebration, with 2 million people per day in the streets. Venice, Italy has celebrated Carnevale since the 11th century, with elaborate masks and costumes. Mobile, Alabama actually claims to have started Mardi Gras in America before New Orleans, in 1703.

🎭 What Happens During Mardi Gras in New Orleans?

The celebration spans roughly two weeks of parades, with over 70 organized parades rolling through the city. Each parade is organized by a "krewe" (a social organization), and some krewes have been running for over 150 years. Krewe members ride on elaborate floats and throw "throws" to the crowd: beads, doubloons (commemorative coins), stuffed animals, and cups. The most coveted throws are hand-decorated items from the older, more exclusive krewes.

🎵 What Is Mardi Gras Music?

New Orleans has its own Mardi Gras music tradition centered around brass bands, jazz and zydeco. The Mardi Gras Indians are African American groups who create incredibly elaborate hand-beaded costumes (suits can take an entire year to make and cost thousands of dollars). They parade through neighborhoods singing call-and-response chants that blend West African, Caribbean and New Orleans musical traditions.