Credits:
(Cheryl Gerber/Getty Images News)
Credits:
nolaphoto.com
For nearly 200 years people have been flocking to the Big Easy for Mardi Gras celebrations.
Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday, the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. The last official day to indulge before lent.
In the 1830’s newspapers started to announce Mardi Gras celebrations where people would mask in the street. The first Krewe, the Twelfth Night Reveler’s, was born in 1871 bringing the very first throws (the toys and such that are thrown from the parades to the crowd).
The Zulu coconut throw remains the most coveted.
The following year Rex, the King of Carnival was invented along with the official Mardi Gras colors; purple, green and gold.
In 1875 the governor of Louisiana signed the Mardi Gras Act making Fat Tuesday an official holiday in Louisiana. The bill remains active.
And now! This year’s Fat Tuesday falls on February 21st.
Check out all of the Mardi Gras links below so you don’t miss a beat… or a bead!
Slideshow: Masks & Throws
There are 53 major parades yet to roll through Greater New Orleans, including Jefferson Parish and Slidell. Varying in size, theme and location, there are enough of these free street shows to accommodate any wannabe parade-goer near the city.
Mardi Gras 2012 is Feb. 21. Fat Tuesday culminates the Carnival season in New Orleans.
Twelfth Night, Jan. 6, is the traditional start date for the season. The Krewe of Joan of Arc and Phunny Phorty Phellows each created spectacular events for the city in January.
Most recently, Krewe du Vieux drew hoards of revelers to the French Quarter on Feb. 3. The theme and costuming of this parade are traditionally geared toward an adult crowd.
When asked to share her love of the season with Examiner.com readers, Krewe du Vieux 2012 Queen Deon Haywood offered, "I enjoy the crowds, the partying and just the overall atmosphere associated with Mardi Gras and parading. It is a wonderful time of year that puts the culture of New Orleans on display for the world and you have opportunities to assemble a group of family and friends to make your own contribution to history."
Throw me something, Mister!
Photographer Jade Groves captures this St. Charles parade crowd's plead for beads.
Credits: Jade Groves
Jade Groves
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