French Quarter Fountain
Discover the mystery and magic of the Creole people that made the French Quarter their own.
Definition:
Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday" and falls on the day before Ash Wednesday. It is also known as "Shrove Tuesday" or "Pancake Day".
Future Dates:
2009 - February 24
2010 - February 16
2011 - March 8
2012 - February 21
2013 - February 12
2014 - March 4
Locations:
Of course, New Orleans is the most famous U.S. city that celebrates Mardi Gras, but it's not the only one that does. Other popular cities outside of the U.S. that celebrate this unique holiday are Rio de Janeiro, Bahia, and Mazatlán.
History:
Mardi Gras was first introduced to the United States in the late 17th century by the LeMoyne brothers. These brothers, Iberville and Bienville, were sent to the United States by King Louis XIV to defend France's claim to the territory of Louisiana, which included Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. These brothers eventually found the mouth of the Mississippi River and sailed a ways upstream and named the spot Point du Mardi Gras. A traditional Catholic celebration followed, and that celebration is now referred to as North America's first Mardi Gras.
New Orleans:
The annual Mardi Gras that takes place in New Orleans is possibly the most famous, and it's often referred to as "the greatest free show on earth". This celebration draws in thousands of visitors in addition to thousands of locals. While this celebration is an old one, New Orleans has added it's own personal twist to it. They've added new traditions to it like a Krewe (which is an organization that puts on the parade), the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club, and the famous Rex parade, in addition to Mardi Gras Indians and king cake parties.
Lafayette:
What most people don't realize, is that Mardi Gras isn't a celebration that is limited to just New Orleans. It is celebrated all around the world, and especially all around Louisiana. Lafayette has it's own big Mardi Gras party. It's more of a family oriented event than the Mardi Gras that takes place in New Orleans.
Other Parts of Louisiana:
Believe it or not, Mardi Gras is a legal holiday in the state of Louisiana. Other cities in Louisiana that organize a celebration include Metairie, La Place, and Chalmette. Houma also hosts a significant celebration. When Mardi Gras rolls around, there's a party going on of some sort in almost every city or town in Louisiana. To them, it's not just another holiday.
The main New Orleans celebration takes place on the famed Bourbon Street, inside the French Quarter. If you would like to visit the French Quarter, look into the French Quarter Walking Tour, the Southern Comfort Cocktail Tour, or the New Orleans City Tour by Van.
