A Beginner's Guide to Mardi Gras

A Beginner's Guide to Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is famous for its purple, green and gold, elaborate floats, piles of beads and larger-than-life celebrations. But once you experience Carnival, you quickly realize there is much more behind the spectacle.

From king cake and krewes to masks, throws, costumes and Fat Tuesday itself, Mardi Gras traditions have been shaped by generations of history and local culture. Some traditions date back centuries, while others have developed into distinctly New Orleans customs.

If you're celebrating for the first time—or simply want to understand the meaning behind what you're seeing—this beginner's guide covers some of the most important Mardi Gras traditions to know.

First, What Is Mardi Gras?

Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday." It is the final day before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent in the Christian liturgical calendar.

Historically, the days leading up to Lent became a time for feasting and celebration before the fasting and restrictions traditionally associated with the Lenten season.

Over centuries, those celebrations developed into Carnival traditions around the world.

In New Orleans, Mardi Gras became something distinctly its own: a season filled with parades, krewes, balls, costumes, throws, king cakes and gatherings that culminate on Mardi Gras Day.

Mardi Gras and Carnival Aren't Exactly the Same Thing

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, Carnival and Mardi Gras technically refer to different things.

Carnival is the entire season of celebration, while Mardi Gras is the final day of that season.

The Carnival season begins on January 6, also known as Twelfth Night, and continues through Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras). Since Mardi Gras is connected to the date of Easter, Mardi Gras Day changes each year, which means Carnival can be longer in some years than others.

You'll still hear people refer to the entire season as "Mardi Gras," so don't worry about correcting anyone. But understanding the difference helps explain the calendar and many of the traditions surrounding it.

Purple, Green & Gold Are the Colors of Mardi Gras in the United States

You don't have to spend long in New Orleans during Carnival before you’re seeing purple, green and gold everywhere.

The colors appear on beads, flags, floats, clothing, decorations, king cakes, table settings and storefronts.

The traditional meanings associated with each color are:

• Purple for justice
• Green for faith
• Gold for power

The colors are associated with the Rex Organization, which selected purple, green and gold in 1872. Their symbolic meanings were later assigned in 1892.

Today, the combination is so closely associated with Carnival that simply putting the three colors together can make almost anything feel Mardi Gras-ready.

King Cake Marks Carnival Season

Another sign that Carnival has arrived? King cake.

King cake season traditionally begins on January 6 and continues through Mardi Gras Day.

The familiar New Orleans-style king cake is typically a ring-shaped sweet pastry decorated with icing and purple, green and gold sugar. You'll also find countless variations filled with cream cheese, fruit, praline, crawfish, and countless other flavors.

But the most famous part may be what is hidden inside…

Why is there a baby in this king cake?

A small baby traditionally associated with the infant Jesus is hidden in—or sometimes provided alongside— a king cake.

The person who finds the baby in their slice is traditionally responsible for bringing the next king cake or hosting the next gathering. In offices, schools, families and groups of friends, this can create a chain of king cakes that continues throughout Carnival season. It's less about winning a prize and more about keeping the celebration going.

Krewes Are Behind the Parades

If you're new to Mardi Gras, krewe is one word you'll hear constantly.

A Mardi Gras krewe is an organization or social group that participates in Carnival. Many of the organizations are responsible for producing the parades that spectators watch each year.

Depending on the krewe, members may organize parades and host balls, parties, or other events.

Some krewes have histories stretching back generations, while others are much newer, each with their own rules and traditions meaning each brings its own identity to Carnival.

Mardi Gras Parades Are About More Than Floats

The floats may get most of the attention, but a Mardi Gras parade is much more than a line of decorated vehicles.

Parades can include marching bands, dance teams, walking groups, equestrian units, performers and other organizations between the floats.

Many krewes select a new theme each year, with floats designed around different interpretations of that theme.

That's why seeing several Mardi Gras parades isn't necessarily repetitive. Every krewe—and every parade—has its own personality, performances, and throws.

For a first-time visitor, watching the smaller details can be just as much fun as seeing the biggest floats.

Throws Are a Major Part of the Parade Experience

Standing quietly and watching isn't really the Mardi Gras way. Parade riders interact with spectators by tossing throws into the crowd.

Beads are the most recognizable Mardi Gras throw, but they're only the beginning. You may also catch go cups, doubloons, toys, stuffed animals, light-up items, krewe-themed trinkets, specialty collectibles, and signature krewe throws (such as shoes at Muses or coconuts at Zulu).

Wave, cheer and make eye contact with riders if you want their attention.

And if you really want to get into the spirit, try the classic Mardi Gras call: "Throw me something, Mister!"

Bring a bag for your throws

Catching throws is one Mardi Gras tradition that can quickly become heavy.

Wearing your first few strands of beads is fun. Wearing or trying to carry everything you catch over the course of several hours is another story.

Bring a sturdy tote or backpack and transfer your throws into it as your collection grows.

Signature Throws Are the Ones Everyone Wants

Not all Mardi Gras throws are created equal.

Many krewes are associated with signature throws—special items connected to the organization that can be much harder to catch than ordinary beads.

Some are decorated or handmade by krewe members, turning them into one-of-a-kind Carnival keepsakes.

These special throws are part of what makes different parades distinctive. Longtime parade-goers may attend a particular krewe's parade year after year hoping to add another coveted signature item to their collection.

If you catch one, you'll probably want to hold onto it.

Masks Are More Than Mardi Gras Accessories

Masks have a long history within Carnival traditions.

Masking traditions existed in European Carnival celebrations long before Mardi Gras developed in the United States. Historically, wearing a mask offered participants a degree of anonymity and the opportunity to temporarily step outside the conventions of everyday life.

That sense of transformation remains part of Mardi Gras.

Today, masks range from simple eye masks to elaborate designs featuring feathers, sequins, rhinestones and metallic details.

Masks are especially associated with costumed parade riders, but spectators can certainly incorporate them into their own Mardi Gras outfits.

Costuming Is Part of the Fun

Mardi Gras is one occasion when dressing too boldly is difficult.

Costuming has deep roots in Carnival, particularly on Mardi Gras Day. You'll see everything from coordinated group costumes to elaborate handmade creations and outfits that are difficult to categorize at all.

Luckily you don't need an elaborate costume to participate. Start with purple, green and gold and build from there with, sequins, rhinestones, metallic fabrics, Mardi Gras hats, masks, jewelry, socks, scarves, gloves, bejeweled accessories, and other festive clothing!

DIY is part of Mardi Gras style, too

One of the best things about Carnival fashion is that your outfit doesn't have to come straight off the rack.

Use a simple hat, jacket, pair of gloves or other accessory as your base and add rhinestones, feathers, fringe, patches, beads or trim.

Mardi Gras rewards creativity. If you've been waiting for an excuse to make something a little over the top, this is it.

Parade-Day Etiquette Matters

Mardi Gras is a celebration, but parade routes are shared spaces. A few basic rules can make the experience better for everyone:

Do respect the people standing around you. Don't fight over beads or throws.

Do give marching groups and performers plenty of space.

Don't run toward moving floats to retrieve something you've dropped or missed. Do follow barricades and instructions from police and parade officials.

Don't throw beads or other objects back at float riders.

And remember that public parade-route space isn't private property. Local regulations govern where and when chairs, ladders and other belongings can be placed, so check current rules before setting up.

The easiest etiquette rule to remember is simple: have fun without preventing the people around you from having fun too.

Ladders Are a Familiar Parade-Route Tradition

Attend a family-friendly Mardi Gras parade and you may notice children sitting on specially constructed ladder seats.

These elevated seats have long been used to help children see over crowds along the parade route.

However, many cities have specific regulations regarding ladders and their placement. If you plan to bring one, always check current city guidance before parade day rather than relying on what you saw someone doing in a previous year.

And whether you're using a ladder or not, never block intersections, create unsafe viewing structures or interfere with pedestrian movement.

Mardi Gras Beads Aren't Earned by Flashing

This deserves its own section because it's one of the most persistent misconceptions about Mardi Gras. You do not have to flash anyone to get Mardi Gras beads.

At traditional parades, riders toss beads and other throws to spectators lining the route. Adults and children wave, cheer and call out to riders in hopes of catching something.

The association between flashing and Mardi Gras largely comes from the adult-oriented atmosphere associated with certain areas of the French Quarter in New Orleans—not the traditional parade experience.

If you're attending your first Mardi Gras parade, just wave.

You'll probably have more beads than you know what to do with by the end anyway.

Mardi Gras Can Be a Family Tradition

Images of Bourbon Street can give first-time visitors the impression that Mardi Gras is exclusively an adults-only party. It isn't.

Many Mardi Gras parades are deeply rooted in family tradition. Generations of families gather along parade routes, children try to catch throws and groups return to familiar viewing areas year after year.

The experience varies depending on where you go, which is why families should research parade routes and viewing locations beforehand.

If you're bringing kids, pack snacks, water, layers, weather protection and a bag for throws. Establish a meeting plan and make sure children understand basic parade safety before the floats begin rolling.

Weather Is Part of Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras outfits may look great in photos, but experienced parade-goers know that weather can dictate the day.

Carnival season can bring sunshine, chilly temperatures, wind and rain—sometimes over the course of the same weekend or even the same day. Due to this, layers are often your friend.

Comfortable shoes are essential because parade days often involve considerably more walking and standing than expected.

If rain is in the forecast, waterproof outerwear and rain-friendly shoes can keep a wet parade from becoming a miserable one.

The best Mardi Gras outfit is one you can actually celebrate in.

Mardi Gras Is Also Celebrated at Home

You don't need to be standing along a parade route to embrace Mardi Gras traditions. Carnival season is a time for parties, dinners, king cake gatherings and festive decorating.

Purple, green and gold make building a Mardi Gras tablescape especially easy. Start with a tablecloth or runner and layer in coordinating napkins, placemats, serving pieces and decorative accents.

Beads and masks can become part of the centerpiece, while king cake provides a natural focal point for the table. Even the smallest touches can bring a bit of Mardi Gras to your home.

Mardi Gras Day Is the Grand Finale

After weeks of Carnival celebrations, everything leads to Fat Tuesday.

Mardi Gras Day is always the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday and marks the final day of Carnival.

It's a day for parades, costumes, gatherings and celebration before the season officially comes to an end.

Because Mardi Gras Day is the finale, this is also when you'll often see some of the most creative costumes and enthusiastic displays of Carnival spirit.

If you've been saving your biggest hat, brightest sequins or most elaborate, over-the-top outfit, this is the day to wear it.

At Midnight, Carnival Ends

One of the things that makes Mardi Gras unique is that the celebration has a defined ending. At midnight on Mardi Gras Day, Carnival is over and Ash Wednesday begins.

The purple, green and gold decorations may stay up a little longer, and the beads certainly don't disappear overnight, but the official season has ended.

Then, eventually, (or immediately) everyone starts thinking about next year.

Celebrating the Traditions of Carnival

The traditions of Mardi Gras are what turn Carnival into something much bigger than a parade.

It's the first king cake of the season. It's a child trying to catch a throw. It's a handmade costume that took weeks to create. It's the sound of a marching band approaching from down the street, a collection of beads from parades past and a table covered in purple, green and gold before friends arrive.

Some people experience these traditions from the same parade spot every year. Others are discovering them for the very first time.

Either way, Mardi Gras is about more than watching the celebration. It's about community, having fun, and embracing all that the holiday may bring.

Mardi Gras Traditions FAQs

What do purple, green and gold mean at Mardi Gras?

The traditional meanings are purple for justice, green for faith and gold for power. The colors have been associated with New Orleans Mardi Gras since the 19th century.

Why do people throw beads at Mardi Gras?

Beads are part of the broader Mardi Gras tradition of throws used by riders to get spectators excited. Parade riders toss beads, cups, doubloons and other items to spectators as their floats travel along the route.

Why is there a baby in king cake?