THE HISTORY OF MARDI GRAS IN NEW ORLEANS AND WHAT VISITORS CAN EXPECT DURING THE CELEBRATION
Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, is one of the top reasons people visit New Orleans. The celebration is famous for its parades, music, and food. Mardi Gras is a time for people to come together with friends and family and celebrate before the Catholic season of Lent.
The History of Mardi Gras in New Orleans
Mardi Gras in New Orleans dates back to the 1730s, and by the 1740s, New Orleanians began celebrating with elegant society balls. During the late 1830s, Mardi Gras celebrations consisted of masked revelers with carriages, horseback riders, and gaslit flambeaux carriers that lit the way through the night. In 1856, Mobile natives formed the Mistick Krewe of Comus. The parade featured horse-drawn floats and was an instant hit, leading to the formation of other krewes and more floats. Today parades feature elaborate decorative floats, marching bands, and costumed revelers.
Mardi Gras Floats
Krewes create Mardi Gras floats with their own themes and designs, which range from historical or mythological to whimsical or satirical. The floats are usually made of wood and paper-mâché, and on average, can be 50 feet long and weigh 10 tons.
King and Queen of Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras parades are led by the krewe’s king and queen, who are chosen from among the krewe’s members. The parades are usually followed by a ball, where the meeting of the court then takes place.
Music During Mardi Gras
New Orleans has one of the most vibrant music scenes in the world, and Mardi Gras provides a great opportunity to enjoy live music in various venues throughout the city. There are many bands that play in the streets, on Mardi Gras floats, or in pubs and bars. The most popular music genres during Mardi Gras are brass band, jazz, rhythm and blues (R&B), traditional New Orleans music, and gospel.
Food During Mardi Gras
Food is a big part of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Popular Mardi Gras dishes include jambalaya, gumbo, crawfish étouffée, and beignets. Many restaurants and street vendors serve traditional Mardi Gras foods during the celebration, and it is an excellent opportunity to try some of the city’s famous dishes.
Stay at Maison Dupuy
Mardi Gras brings people worldwide to the city to enjoy the celebration. One of the best ways to see Mardi Gras Floats in New Orleans is by staying at a hotel in the middle of it all. Maison Dupuy is ideally situated in the heart of the French Quarter. Make a reservation at the Maison Dupuy today.