2009). One of the most well-known aspects of the modern Mardi Gras celebration is the throwing of beads and other trinkets from the parade krewes (groups and organizations that have floats in the parade) to the crowd of spectators. This was started in 1870 by the Twelfth Night krewe, and was quickly taken up by other groups, each of whom throws their own unique trinkets (Mardi Gras New Orleans 2009). Contrary to popular belief (and wishful thinking) however, the baring of breasts by women to get beads is not actually a part of the Mardi Gras tradition, but is simply the result of a lot of drunken college students losing their inhibitions and doing whatever they can to draw attention to themselves (Mardi...
This pastry has a complex origins, again beginning with the Twelfth Night Revelers, who crowned a Lord of Misrule who is presented with a large fake cake (Mardi Gras Unmasked 1998). Single women are then invited by name to dance with members of the krewe, and some of them are presented with pieces of cake while others receives beans; the woman who gets the golden bean is crowned Queen (Mardi Gras Unmasked 1998). This tradition dates back many centuries in one form or another; many cultures still have traditions on Easter or Christmas where a coin or other trinket is baked into a cake or old-style
Mardi Gras People can, and often do, build shrines in their memory to cherished experiences in their lives. While some of these shrines are dedicated to memories of a purely personal nature, a few are related to community traditions that have grown to have especial meaning. The Mardi Gras is one such tradition, which many Americans value both for its historical significance as well as because it is a much looked
The music was so intoxicating that it was impossible to stand still or to even walk without a rhythmic gait. The food smells were equally overpowering. Not only had all the local markets, bars and restaurants opened their doors and set tables and chairs in front, but hundreds of people were cooking on the streets as well. Barbecue grills sizzled with chicken, ribs, sausages, and pots of boiled crawfish, corn-on-
the nineteenth century saw the Mardi Gras celebration banned, but when it were restored in New Orleans in the 1820s it was a great equalizing force, allowing African-Americans -- man of them still slaves -- the freedom to drum and celebrate in ways they were unable to almost anywhere else or at any other time (Carnaval 2000). The celebrations are still a great equalizer, brining together people of all classes
Under French rule, masked balls and festivals were the predecessor of the festival we know today. After being banned when New Orleans came under Spanish rule, the masked festivals returned in 1827 (Davis, 1997). The festivals developed during the 19th century to include parades featuring masks, people in carriages and on horseback. To curb complaints about violence during the celebrations, the Comus organization was formed to impose a measure of
Aside from the Spanish conquerors, after American gained power on their land, there were also times when the Mardi Gras was banned by the U.S. Government. It was only because of Creoles that the ban on Mardi Gras celebration was lifted. In 1827, the Americans were once again able to revel days before the penitence of Lent. Festivities were once again gathered with people wearing masks, drinking, and enjoying the
Full efforts of the city's resources have begun to rebuild the image of Mardi Gras as the massive phenomenon it was. After a few years of smaller celebrations, more recent celebrations have returned to their outrageous roots, and tourists are once again flocking to the insane festivities offered in the crazy days of Mardi Gras. The 2009 celebration is looking to bring back the pre-Katrina glory, and is backed
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