"Fat Tuesday"
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Mardi Gras
(/ˈmɑːrdi ˌɡrɑː/)
or Fat Tuesday, refers to events of the Carnival celebration, beginning on or after the Christian feasts of the Epiphany (Three Kings Day) and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday, which is known as Shrove Tuesday.
BEADS... 1900's?
Beads were first thrown by Santa during a parade in the early 1900s. It wasn't until a few decades ago that they became synonymous with flashing. People also throw stuffed animals, toys and more.
PANCAKE DAY
In Ireland, England, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, people celebrate Mardi Gras by eating pancakes and participating in pancake themed activities.
MASKS ARE REQUIRED BY LAW
Yep, it's illegal to ride on a float without a mask! The original purpose of the mask was to get rid of social constraints for the day, allowing people to mingle with whomever they chose.
THE OFFICIAL COLORS OF MARDI GRAS
Purple signifies justice, gold means power, and green stands for faith.
THE FIRST NEW ORLEANS MARDI GRAS PARADE
New Orleans has been celebrating Fat Tuesday with parades since 1837. The first floats appeared in the parade in 1857.
PARADES ANYONE?
There are over 70 parades held throughout the New Orleans metropolitan area during the carnival season.