HISTORY

Mardi Gras is celebrated the world over, from Australia to Italy to South America. But no one does Mardi Gras quite like New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.

The Mardi Gras that we know actually originated about 150 miles to the east, in Mobile, Alabama, in 1699. It was then introduced in New Orleans by the French, but it differed very much from what it is now, merely private masked balls and parties. When Spain took over control of New Orleans the parties and street dancing were banned, and it wasn’t until 1827 after the Louisiana Purchase that people were allowed to party in masks again. During the 1850’s the elegant Mardi Gras parties were once again in danger of being banned when people took to the streets and there was near rioting.

In 1857 the first official Mardi Gras group was formed, The Mystick Krewe of Comus. Thus began the first organized and detailed parade using a theme and flambeauxs to light the way.

During a visit to New Orleans by the Grand Duke of Russia in 1872, the Krewe of Rex was formed. The Krewe of Rex was the first organized group to elect a “King”, who’s name was not revealed until parade day. The Krewe of Rex also chose the official Mardi Gras colors that are still used today, purple symbolizing justice, green symbolizing faith, and gold symbolizing power.

In 1909 the all black Krewe of Zulu was formed and now the Zulu parade is one of the most favorite among parade goers.

Up until 1991 parade organizations had very strict rules as to whom could be a member of their organization, often turning away prominent people based only on their race or sex. The New Orleans City Council voted that this was discrimination and organizations were forced to accept anyone that applied and could afford the dues. A few of the oldest Krewes decided to not comply with this new ordinance, Momus, Comus and Proteus disbanded, ending an almost 300 year legacy.

Parades usually begin about 2 weeks prior to Mardi Gras Day, also known as Fat Tuesday, which falls anywhere between February 3 and March 7 depending on the Catholic calendar. Mardi Gras Day is one day prior to Ash Wednesday which in the Catholic religion is supposed to be the day when you purge your sins and many people view Mardi Gras as definitely a time to create something to purge. It should also be noted that Mardi Gras is a state holiday, all state level offices close for the day, as well as private businesses.

Mardi Gras attracts people from all over the world, nearly tripling the population of New Orleans. The amount of money that is spent in New Orleans during this time is a staggering amount, but oddly enough the determination of a successful Mardi Gras is not based on the income, it’s based on the amount of trash collected.

In recent years the New Orleans Mardi Gras has attracted world wide attention. News airings of this city wide party air all over the world and live webcasts of the popular Bourbon Street and parades can be seen on the Internet. It has attacted the attention of MTV, VHI and many other television shows whom air live tapings of the events on parade routes and on Bourbon Street.

In recent years there has been a great deal of controversy about Mardi Gras due to "flashing". The New Orleans Police Department has tried to put a stop to the flashings to no avail. Mardi Gras 2000 was a Mardi Gras where more people got arrested due to indecent exposure than any year before, but the arrests mostly happened in the weekend prior to Mardi Gras weekend. The attempt to curb the flesh barings failed in the days preceding Mardi Gras Day and Mardi Gras Day itself, leaving people pretty much free to do as they pleased within reason. Police look past flashing as Mardi Gras gets closer to it's end and the only way you could get arrested was if you did it right in front of a police officer, or took the flashing a bit too far.

Mardi Gras is definitely one of the highlights of New Orleans, and a sight to be seen. It compares only with the New Orleans Heritage and Jazz Festival in it's drawing of people from all over the world. If you are planning a visit to New Orleans in the future, Mardi Gras is the best time to come. The atmosphere is one big party, there's tons of different things to see and do. But be wary, like any large party there are always dangers. Suggestion is that you do not go to Bourbon Street alone, especially if you're female. Go in large groups and do your very best to keep track of everyone as it is very easy to get separated among the throngs of people that fill the 11 main blocks on Bourbon Street that make up Mardi Gras Central. The best thing to do is to create a designated meeting spot in case of separation from your group. Men, carry your wallets in your front pockets, women, do not take a purse. And by all means, keep your fists down at your sides as the police do not take to fighting very well and will not hesitate to cart you off to jail for the night.

All this said, I hope that you have enjoyed the little history that I have presented here for you. I hope that one day you get to enjoy these events in person and that you have your own Mardi Gras stories to tell to me.