Mardi Gras Faq
I've had alot of people ask me about mardi gras. Until now I haven't shared all that mardi gras is about, because frankly, I didn't know myself. There's alot of pride, hard work and dedication that go into every organization or "Krewe." Here are a few facts that I would like to share with you. WHEN IS MARDI GRAS?
Mardi Gras can occur on any Tuesday from February 3 through March 9. It is always scheduled 46 days preceding Easter (the 40 days of Lent, plus six days).
WHAT DOES THE COLORS PURPLE, GOLD, AND GREEN STAND FOR?
Purple represents justice, Green stands for faith, and Gold signifies power.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO TO NEW ORLEANS FOR MARDI GRAS?
New Orleans Mardi Gras parade season officially begins on the second Friday before Fat Tuesday.
Dictionary
KREWE
The generic term for all Carnival organizations in New Orleans.
BOEUF GRAS
The fatted bull or ox, the ancient symbol of the last meat eaten before the Lenten season of fasting.
CAPTAIN
The absolute leader of each Carnival organization.
CARNIVAL
Begins annually on January 6, the Twelth Night (the feast of the Epiphany), and ends at midnight on Fat Tuesday in which fasting replaces feasting.
COURT
The King, Queen, maids and dukes of a Carnival organizatiion.
DEN
A large warehouse where floats are built and stored.
DOUBLOONS
Aluminum coin-like objects bearing the Krewe's insignia on one side and the parade's theme on the other.
KING CAKE
An oval, sugared pastry that contains a plastic doll hidden inside; the person who finds the doll is crowned "King" and buys the next cake.
MARDI GRAS
French for Fat Tuesday, the single-day culmination of the Carnival season.
THROWS
Inexpensive trinkets, Krewe emblemed aluminum boubloons, plastic cups, and plastic necklaces tossed from floats by costumed and masked Krewe members.
MARDI GRAS INDIANS
Groups of black men in New Orleans who portray American Indians and are magnificently outfitted with handmade beaded and feathered costumes.


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