How did Mardi Gras evolve in the United States. What were the early celebrations like. When did the official colors and traditions emerge. How has the festival changed over the decades.
The Origins of Mardi Gras in America: From French Roots to National Holiday
Mardi Gras, the vibrant celebration that has become synonymous with New Orleans, has a rich history dating back to the late 17th century. The festival’s American roots can be traced to the Le Moyne brothers, who were sent by King Louis XIV to defend France’s claim to the Louisiana territory. Despite France’s eventual departure from the New World, the tradition of Mardi Gras endured, evolving into the spectacular event we know today.
The first recorded mention of Mardi Gras “Carnival” in America appeared in a 1781 report to the Spanish governing body. This pivotal year marked the beginning of numerous carnival organizations, many of which continue to play significant roles in modern celebrations. By the late 1830s, parades had become a central feature of Mardi Gras, with krewes marching through streets illuminated by gaslight torches, creating a magical atmosphere that captivated both participants and onlookers.
Key Milestones in Mardi Gras History
- 1872: Official Mardi Gras colors established – purple (justice), gold (power), and green (faith)
- 1875: Fat Tuesday declared a national holiday in Louisiana
- 1872: Introduction of the Rex pageant, which continues to be a highlight of modern celebrations
The Evolution of Mardi Gras Parades: From Gaslight to Grandeur
The parades of early Mardi Gras celebrations were a far cry from the elaborate spectacles we see today. In the 19th century, revelers would march through streets lit by gaslight torches, creating an ethereal and mysterious atmosphere. This tradition of nighttime parades continues to this day, albeit with much more sophisticated lighting and effects.
One of the most iconic elements of Mardi Gras parades is the presence of ornate floats. These mobile works of art have been a part of the celebration for over a century, with krewes spending months designing and constructing their entries. The evolution of float design reflects not only advancements in technology but also changes in societal trends and artistic expression.
The Art of Float Design
- Conceptualization: Krewes brainstorm themes and designs months in advance
- Sketching and planning: Artists create detailed drawings of proposed floats
- Construction: Skilled craftsmen bring the designs to life using various materials
- Decoration: Intricate details are added, including lights, moving parts, and throws
- Final touches: Floats are inspected and prepared for their parade debut
Masks and Anonymity: The Mystery Behind Mardi Gras Traditions
One of the most intriguing aspects of Mardi Gras is the tradition of wearing masks. This custom, which dates back to the early days of the celebration, allowed revelers to escape societal constraints and mingle freely regardless of class or social status. The anonymity provided by masks added an element of mystery and excitement to the festivities, a tradition that continues to captivate participants today.
The use of masks during Mardi Gras has evolved over time, with designs ranging from simple domino masks to elaborate creations that are works of art in their own right. Many krewes have specific mask traditions, with some requiring all members to wear identical masks to maintain uniformity and others encouraging individual expression through unique designs.
The Significance of Mardi Gras Masks
- Social equalizer: Masks allowed people of different classes to interact freely
- Identity concealment: Revelers could engage in festivities without fear of judgment
- Artistic expression: Mask design became an important aspect of Mardi Gras culture
- Tradition preservation: Many krewes maintain specific mask customs as part of their identity
The Rex Pageant: A Century-Old Tradition of Royalty
The Rex pageant, introduced in 1872, has become one of the most celebrated aspects of Mardi Gras. The parade, led by “Rex,” the King of Carnival, is a highlight of the festival and continues to draw crowds eager to catch a glimpse of the royal procession. The tradition of selecting a King of Carnival adds an element of regal splendor to the celebrations and has become an integral part of Mardi Gras culture.
Each year, a prominent member of the New Orleans community is chosen to portray Rex, a role that carries significant prestige and responsibility. The selection process is shrouded in secrecy, adding to the anticipation and excitement surrounding the reveal of the new king. The Rex parade, which takes place on Mardi Gras day, is known for its elaborate floats, stunning costumes, and the distribution of prized throws to spectators.
The Role of Rex in Mardi Gras
- Symbol of Mardi Gras: Rex represents the spirit and traditions of the celebration
- Community leader: The chosen Rex often has a history of civic involvement
- Parade highlight: The Rex procession is a major draw for locals and tourists alike
- Cultural ambassador: Rex plays a role in promoting New Orleans and its traditions
The Art of the Throw: From Trinkets to Treasures
One of the most beloved aspects of Mardi Gras is the tradition of “throws” – items tossed from floats to eager spectators lining the parade routes. This custom has evolved significantly since its inception, with throws ranging from simple trinkets to highly sought-after collectibles.
In the early days of Mardi Gras, throws were relatively simple, consisting of items like candies, nuts, or small toys. As the celebration grew in popularity and scale, the variety and complexity of throws increased. Today, krewe members spend considerable time and resources preparing their throws, which can include custom-designed beads, doubloons, cups, and even hand-decorated coconuts.
Evolution of Mardi Gras Throws
- Early 1900s: Simple items like candies and small trinkets
- 1920s: Introduction of glass beads
- 1960s: Plastic beads become popular due to their durability and lower cost
- 1980s-present: Expansion to include krewe-specific items and collectibles
Mardi Gras Through the Lens: Capturing a Century of Celebration
Vintage photographs of Mardi Gras provide a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of this iconic celebration. These images, dating back to the early 20th century, showcase the enduring spirit of the festival while highlighting the changes in fashion, float design, and parade traditions over the decades.
One striking aspect of early Mardi Gras photos is the contrast between the elaborate costumes and floats and the relatively simple streetscapes of New Orleans. Images from the early 1900s show horse-drawn floats making their way through crowds of spectators, many of whom are dressed in their finest attire. As the years progressed, the scale and complexity of the parades increased, with motorized floats and more intricate designs becoming the norm.
Notable Features in Vintage Mardi Gras Photos
- Fashion evolution: From formal wear to elaborate costumes
- Float design: The transition from simple platforms to multi-tiered spectacles
- Crowd interactions: The changing dynamics between parade participants and spectators
- Urban landscape: The transformation of New Orleans as a backdrop to the celebrations
The Cultural Impact of Mardi Gras: Beyond the Parades
While the parades and festivities are the most visible aspects of Mardi Gras, the celebration has had a profound impact on the cultural fabric of New Orleans and beyond. The tradition has influenced art, music, cuisine, and even the local economy, becoming an integral part of the city’s identity.
Mardi Gras has inspired countless artists, musicians, and writers over the years, resulting in a rich body of work that captures the spirit and energy of the celebration. The festival has also played a significant role in preserving and promoting traditional New Orleans jazz, with music being an essential component of the parades and associated events.
Mardi Gras’ Influence on Various Aspects of Culture
- Music: Preservation and promotion of New Orleans jazz and other local genres
- Cuisine: Development of specialized Mardi Gras treats like King Cake
- Art: Inspiration for visual artists, from float designers to painters and sculptors
- Fashion: Influence on costume design and the broader fashion industry
- Tourism: Major driver of visitors to New Orleans, boosting the local economy
As we look back on vintage photos of Mardi Gras, we’re reminded of the enduring appeal of this uniquely American celebration. From its humble beginnings as a pre-Lenten feast to its current status as a world-renowned festival, Mardi Gras has continuously evolved while maintaining its core spirit of joy, community, and cultural expression. These rare glimpses into the past not only showcase the changes in the celebration over time but also highlight the timeless elements that continue to make Mardi Gras America’s most famous party.
The Best Vintage Photos of Mardi Gras Through the Years
The Best Vintage Photos of Mardi Gras Through the Years
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The annual Bacchus Parade in the early 1900s.
Bettmann / Contributor/Getty Images
- Mardi Gras “Carnival” was first referenced in a 1781 report to the Spanish governing body, and that iconic year kicked off the formation of hundreds of carnival organizations, which have carried on their legacy ever since.
- By the late 1830s, parades were in full swing, with krewes marching through streets illuminated by gaslight torches.
- In 1872, the official Mardi Gras colors were declared. Purple representing justice; gold for power; and green for faith. Three years later, Fat Tuesday was deemed a national holiday in Louisiana.
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Mardi Gras arrived in the United States in the late 1600s, thanks to the Le Moyne brothers, whom King Louis XIV sent to defend France’s right to the territory of Louisiane.
Traditionally, Fat Tuesday ushered in the last chance to eat fatty foods and party through the night before the self-denial season of Lent began for Christians.
But even after France decamped from the New World, their traditional spring hurrah stuck around. The infamous days spent parading through busy streets lit by gaslight torches, wearing masks to remain anonymous, decorating floats for months, and of course, lots of throws doesn’t show any signs of stopping.
To gear up for Mardi Gras, check out these vintage photos from the early 20th century, which prove it’s always been America’s coolest party.
Paige Cooperstein contributed to a previous version of this story.
The royal chariot with Rex, the King of the Carnival, starts the Mardi Gras procession in downtown New Orleans, in 1906.
Getting to see the king is always a special treat.
Library of Congress
The Rex pageant joined the Mardi Gras parades in 1872, and to this day is still one of the most celebrated parades, with “Rex” reigning as the King of Carnival.
The parade makes its way through downtown New Orleans.
Library of Congress
During the parade, civilians would pack into every corner of the street, even sitting atop scaffolding and climbing onto tiny balconies just to catch a glimpse of the floats.
This parade took place sometime between 1890 and 1910.
Library of Congress
There is always an air of mystery while watching the floats, because float-riders wear detailed masks to hide their identities.
A woman makes detailed masks of different politicians’ faces.
Keystone-France/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images
The parade winds down Canal Street, the widest business district street in the country that was originally intended to just be a common area.
Today, you can still ride the streetcar down the same tracks.
The procession even gave the horses “masks” to keep them anonymous.
Library of Congress
Source: Friedman
Rex passes by Camp Street on its typical route through downtown New Orleans between 1900 and 1906.
Today, Camp Street is famous for having iconic New Orleans-style houses.
Library of Congress
Parades have always been inventive and theatrical, often poking fun at the theme for the krewe. Here, a 1907 Mardi Gras celebration shows a float towering over the crowds of people.
Riding on a float has always been an honor.
Library of Congress
Floats from the Bachus parade make their way through the screaming crowds full of hands waving for throws in the early 1900s.
Crowds gather at the Bacchus Parade.
Bettmann / Contributor/Getty Images
Here, a float is seen honoring the life of John Audubon, an American naturalist and artist known for his study of birds, in 1956.
The float passes through eager crowds.
Three Lions/Getty Images
As the float approaches you, the best thing to do is put your hands up and scream for beads. A Mardi Gras queen tosses beads during a parade in the 1950s.
Crowds wave their hands to catch beads during a parade.
Grey Villet/The LIFE Picture Collection via Getty Images
Mardi Gras is all about letting loose, and it’s tradition to don a wild outfit.
A storefront is seen here advertising a few options in 1941.
A sign advertises Santa Claus outfits.
Library of Congress
Mardi Gras is a family affair, and the costumes are no exception. A family of six dolled up as clowns watch the parade from the sidelines in 1956.
A family of clowns takes part in the festivities.
Three Lions/Getty Images
In 1906, Rex is seen receiving an honorary key to the city of New Orleans in front of Gallier Hall as the grand finale of their parade.
The grand finale of the parade ended with a special key.
Library of Congress
The celebration continues into the night as the krewes usually throw luxe balls filled with dancing and drinking, as seen here in 1929.
A festive Mardi Gras party.
ullstein bild/ullstein bild via Getty Images
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9 Best Vintage Mardi Gras Photos From New Orleans
Posted in New Orleans
February 12, 2023
by Kezia Kamenetz
Have you ever been to New Orleans’ Mardi Gras celebration? If not, you’ve probably seen it on television or in numerous photos. Some of the best photos were taken many decades ago, including the 9 vintage Mardi Gras photos listed below. Each of these old Mardi Gras pictures is truly special. In fact, they’re some of the best vintage Mardi Gras photos you’ll ever see. You’re going to love them!
1. Masked Group in the French Quarter, 1905
Wikicommons / Alexander Allison
The cobblestone streets in the French Quarter look amazing!
2. Comus, 1907
Wikicommons / Period Illustration
Did floats really look like this in 1907? I’m truly amazed! Is that real palmetto?
3.
Mardi Gras Float Postcard, 1908
Wikicommons / Public Domain
The beauty of this Mardi Gras float is really something amazing!
4. Frenchmen Street Maskers, 1910
Wikicommons / Infrogmation
There is a truly magical feeling to this blast from the past to Frenchmen Street.
5. Comus Modern Art World, 1916
Wikimedia Commons
This is another beautiful parade float from 1916.
6. Mardi Gras Canal Street, 1920s
Wikicommons
This blast from the past gives you a whole new perspective of Canal Street.
7. Clowns, 1936
Flickr.com / Infrogmation
These three clowns are the true definition of classic clowns.
8. Canal Street Parades, 1960
Flickr.com / Infrogmation
There is something quite interesting about the way they built these parade floats from 1960.
9. Canal Street Clowns
Wikicommons / Lipsher Specialty Co
This photo shows another example of how truly unique clowns are during New Orleans’ Mardi Gras celebration.
What do you think about these vintage Mardi Gras photos? Pretty amazing, right? Please feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below. Also, let us know what your favorite part of New Orleans’ Mardi Gras is. We would appreciate hearing your feedback.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: New Orleans, LA, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
February 17, 2023
Jennifer Young
What are five New Orleans’ Mardi Gras traditions and their history?
The history of Mardi Gras is truly fascinating thanks to several of its traditions that go way back. There are quite a few Mardi Gras traditions, and we’ve listed five below that almost everyone is familiar with.
1. Mardi Gras Colors
Purple, gold, and green are the traditional colors of Mardi Gras. They are royal colors that stand for justice (purple), power (gold), and faith (green).
2.
Parade Floats
The parade floats are the best part of Mardi Gras. They come in large sizes and are elaborately decorated.
3. Mardi Gras Masks & Costumes
According to law, anyone riding a parade float during Mardi Gras must wear a mask. Masking is legal for everyone else on Fat Tuesday. In addition to masks, many people also choose to dress up in elaborate costumes during Mardi Gras.
4. Mardi Gras Beads & Throws
One of the most famous Mardi Gras traditions is the beads, or “throws.” These have been passed out to parade attendees since the 1920s. Today, all kinds of items are thrown, including toys, cups, MoonPies, and more.
5. King Cake
The King Cake is the most popular baked treat during Mardi Gras. You can usually find this cake sold all over New Orleans during this yearly celebration. A traditional King Cake is an oval shaped coffee cake that’s braided and covered in purple, green, and gold icing. It’s then dusted with sugar, and a plastic baby is attached to the outside of it.
When is Mardi Gras this year in New Orleans, and where is a great place to stay during the celebration?
This year’s Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans will begin on Tuesday, February 21. If you’re planning to attend, a great place to stay is the Hotel Monteleone. The Hotel Monteleone, which opened in 1886, is a New Orleans landmark. Situated in the heart of the French Quarter, it’s also one of the most beautiful hotels in the world. It has an onsite restaurant, an extravagant bar, and many other amenities you won’t find anywhere else.
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What to see in New Orleans – the best attractions
Whitney Plantation is the only plantation museum in Louisiana dedicated to the history of slavery. Several generations of slaves worked in the fields, growing rice, sugarcane and cotton for the owners of the estate, the Heidel family. The estate has sculptures dedicated to the memory of the 100,000 men, women, and children who were enslaved in Louisiana.
And visitors to the museum complex are given cards with the names and brief biography of child slaves who once lived on the plantation.
The tour guide, playing the role of a privileged resident of the estate, takes guests through the rooms of the large house, which is one of the best preserved examples of Spanish Creole architecture. Then the second guide, in the form of a slave, shows the outbuildings – a separate kitchen, a barn for mules, a dovecote, a latrine, a barn, a blacksmith’s workshop. After the tour ends, you can walk around the surrounding fields, where sugar cane is still growing.
Whitney Plantation © Alisa_Ch / Shutterstock
Saenger Theater
Since its opening in 1927, the Sanger Theater has been the center of New Orleans’ entertainment culture. Premieres of high-rated films were held here, stars of music and show business performed, and the best Broadway productions were shown. The theater’s interior, designed by architect Emil Weil, resembles an Italian Baroque patio, with 150 ceiling lights arranged in the shape of constellations.
The Saenger Theater features a 2,000-pipe Robert Morton theatrical organ designed specifically for the venue’s acoustics. The Saenger Theater was heavily damaged during Hurricane Katrin in 2005. Over the course of several years, it was restored to its original appearance, and in 2013 the theater reopened to the public.
Sanger Theater © JustPixs / Shutterstock
Preservation Hall
If you don’t know where to go in New Orleans to listen to the best jazz, the Preservation Hall is a no-brainer. It is located in the heart of the French Quarter – St. Peter’s Street. Over 350 nights a year, New Orleans Jazz acoustic concerts take place here. Live jazz legends performed on the Preservation Hall stage – “Kid” Thomas Valentine, George Lewis, Jim Robinson, Emma Barrett, Willie and Percy Humphrey, Louis Nelson and many others.
Now Preservation Hall is a musical mecca for thousands of music lovers who come here to hear real New Orleans jazz. And the touring line-up of the Preservation Hall jazz band gives concerts all over the world.
In the concert hall store you can buy vinyl records and CDs with recordings of their most popular compositions.
Preservation Hall © Andriy Blokhin / Shutterstock
Preservation Hall © GTS Productions / Shutterstock
Carousel Bar & Lounge
Thinking about what to do in New Orleans in the evening again? Then we recommend having a glass at the Carousel Bar & Lounge. The only revolving bar in New Orleans is located in the Monteleone Hotel in the French Quarter. Its main feature is a bar counter in the form of an old carousel, on which 25 visitors can “ride” at the same time. An unusual device was installed back in 1949, and an intricately decorated top was added in 1992nd. Optical fibers are built into the ceiling of the hall, creating the illusion of a starry sky.
Carousel Bar is loved not only by tourists, but also by locals. It serves excellent signature cocktails and New Orleans jazz sounds every day. The bar overlooks the Royal Street – one of the most popular places in the French Quarter.
Ernest Hemingway, William Faulkner, Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote, Winston Groom loved to relax in the Carousel. Michael Jordan, Dennis Quaid and Greg Allman were also seen here.
Carousel Bar & Lounge © s24624.pcdn.co
Carousel Bar & Lounge © cdn.vox-cdn.com
Napoleon House Bar & Cafe
Napoleon House Bar & Cafe is located in a historic building in the French Quarter. According to legend, the owner of the house, New Orleans Mayor Nicolas Giraud, offered it to Napoleon Bonaparte as a refuge in exile. Although the emperor did not manage to come to New Orleans, the building was called “Napoleon’s House”. In 1914, a restaurant was opened here, which soon became a favorite place for artists, writers, intellectuals and artists.
In Napoleon House Bar & Cafe, time seems to have stopped 200 years ago. The plastered walls look like someone has scraped off the old wallpaper before putting on the new one. A beautiful bar counter with mirrors and a vintage cash register with a bust of Napoleon have been preserved in the hall.
Here you can hear Beethoven’s symphony, written especially for the emperor, and try the traditional New Orleans drink Pimm’s Cup. The hallmark of the House of Napoleon is the Muffuletta sandwich with dried meat, cheese and spicy olive dressing.
Napoleon House Bar & Cafe © media-cdn.tripadvisor.com
Pat O’Brien’s Bar
Pat O’Brien’s Bar was opened in New Orleans on December 3, 1933. Two days after the repeal of Prohibition, Irishman Pat O’Brien decided to turn his club Mr. O’Brien’s Club Tipperary to a drinking establishment. Now Pat O’Brien’s Bar is a symbol of New Orleans nightlife and a popular tourist attraction. It was here that the famous Hurricane cocktail was invented, which is made from rum, lemon juice and passion fruit syrup.
The first dueling pianos in America appeared on the second floor of Pat O’Brien’s bar. Visitors wrote the names of the songs on napkins and handed them to the musicians, who took turns playing them on two small pianos with brass covers.
They have survived to this day, and professional artists still take orders from the public for songs, fighting for applause.
Pat O’Brien’s signature drink, Hurricane, originated during World War II. Due to difficulties in importing whiskey, liquor sellers forced bar owners to buy a minimum of 50 cases of rum. Only under such conditions did they agree to sell one box of scotch tape. To sell a huge amount of rum, the bartenders of Pat O’Brien’s Bar came up with an original cocktail, which they called “Hurricane”. It was served in a special tall glass, reminiscent of a kerosene lamp in shape. The recipe for Pat O’Brien’s famous Hurricane is still a secret.
Pat O’Brien’s Bar © Andriy Blokhin / Shutterstock
Hot Tin Rooftop Bar
Hot Tin Rooftop Bar offers superb views of downtown New Orleans and the Mississippi River, signature cocktails and a chic atmosphere. The cozy bar is located on the rooftop of the Pontchartrain Hotel. This is a great place for those who want to relax and unwind after a busy day of sightseeing.
Hot Tin Rooftop Bar serves signature cocktails, beers, champagnes and wines. It is better to come here on weekdays – on weekends the bar is crowded.
Hot Tin Rooftop Bar © images.squarespace-cdn.com
Antoine’s Restaurant New Orleans
Antoine’s Restaurant is one of the oldest Creole family restaurants in the United States. The institution was opened in 1840 by an immigrant from France, Antoine Alciatore. An excellent cook, he created several well-known dishes that have become classics – pompano in papillota, sardu eggs and paradis pigeons. And Rockefeller oysters, invented by Antoine’s son Jules, are still cooked here according to the original recipe, which is kept secret.
Antoine’s now has 14 dining rooms. Each of them is decorated in its own theme. It still serves vintage, old school cooking that you won’t find anywhere else. Only at Antoine’s Restaurant you can try Duck Paradis – duck breast with port wine and white grape sauce, and Oysters Ellis – oysters in dark colbert sauce with sherry and mushrooms.
In addition, the restaurant houses one of the richest wine cellars in America, capable of holding 25,000 bottles.
Antoine’s Restaurant New Orleans © Kit Leong / shutterstock
Barataria Preserve
Alligators are as much a symbol of New Orleans as jazz, voodoo and Mardi Gras. If you want to see these huge reptiles in their natural habitat, but don’t want to spend a lot of time driving to the swamps, head to the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park. On its territory, just half an hour’s drive from the city, is the Barataria nature reserve. Here you can see the alligators, just walking along the paths. But it is much more interesting to book a tour of the swamps by boat or airboat to see the animals up close. Experienced captains are well acquainted with the formidable inhabitants of the swamps and even sometimes feed them, which tourists especially like. But you should not follow their example and treat alligators on your own – it is very dangerous.
Exploring the Barataria reserve, you will be able to see other inhabitants of it.
About 200 species of birds, deer, nutria, turtles and snakes live here. Entrance to the territory of Barataria Preserve is free.
Barataria Reserve © William A. Morgan / Shutterstock
Tags:#North America#attractions#historical sites#museums#architecture#beautiful places
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Mardi Gras: one of the most colorful and grandiose carnivals in the world – photo
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Mardi Gras: one of the most colorful and grandiose carnivals of the world – photo
Mardi Gras: one of the most colorful and grandiose carnivals in the world – photo
Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is one of the most colorful and grandiose carnivals in the world. See in the Sputnik photo feed Georgia, as it was celebrated in New Orleans on February 20, 2023, Sputnik Georgia 23-02-20T18:04+ 0400
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The date of Mardi Gras celebration changes every year. By tradition, Fat Tuesday is celebrated on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent for Catholics. In 2023, Catholics will celebrate Fat Tuesday on February 21st.
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The date of Mardi Gras celebration changes every year.
By tradition, Fat Tuesday is celebrated on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent for Catholics. In 2023, Catholics will celebrate Fat Tuesday on February 21st.
1/15
© AP Photo / Gerald Herbert
Fat Tuesday ends the “omnivorous week”, after which Catholics begin to prepare for Easter, cleansing the body and soul
2/15
© AP Photo / Gerald Herbert 9 0003
The history of the Mardi Gras carnival and the tradition of celebrating Fat Tuesday among Catholics originated a long time ago
3/15
© AP Photo / Gerald Herbert
Mardi Gras has been celebrated since ancient times – people in many countries celebrated the winter with great gaiety and celebrated spring, but the holiday was called differently
4/15
© AP Photo / Gerald Herbert
In French-speaking countries, the holiday is called Mardi Gras, which translates as “Fat Tuesday”
5/15
© AP Photo / Gerald Herbert
or Fat Tuesday, before the 40-day Great Lent, the Catholics became a kind of entertainment period
6/15
© AP Photo / Rita Harper
The tradition of Mardi Gras celebrations spread from Rome to other European countries, and eventually moved from the Old World to the New
7/15
© AP Photo / Gerald Her bert
Fat Tuesday began to be celebrated in the US by the 18th century, when France ruled Louisiana today
8/15
© AP Photo / Gerald Herbert
Catholics celebrate Mardi Gras around the world today.
In this photo strip you see how Mardi Gras is celebrated in New Orleans, USA
9/15
© AP Photo / Gerald Herbert
Fat Tuesday in every city or country with a Catholic population over the centuries has acquired its own traditions
10/15
© AP Photo / Gerald Herbert
90 002 The most ambitious and colorful carnivals are held at Mardi Gras in New Orleans – Bacchus parade and festival of famous jazz bands
11/15
© AP Photo / Gerald Herbert
Festivities take place for about two weeks, but on Fat Tuesday before the start of Lent, residents and visitors cities have fun to the fullest
12/15
© AP Photo / Gerald Herbert
A carnival procession of actors and musicians in carriages moves through the streets of the city. The procession throws commemorative gifts into the crowd, including toys, beads, and special medallions bearing the symbol of the parade
13/15
© AP Photo / Gerald Herbert
In a 19th-century tradition, the celebration culminates in the election of a king and queens of the Mardi Gras carnival
14/15
© AP Photo / Gerald Herbert
The legend tells that the brother of the heir to the Russian throne, Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich, was in love with the American actress Lydia Thompson and in 1872, on the eve of Mardi Gras, went to New Orleans for her
15/15
© AP Photo / Gerald Herbert
The organizers of the celebration, having learned about the visit of the prince, prepared a special platform with the inscription “King”.
