MardiGrasLuv.com

Mardi Gras in New Orleans is viewed throughout the world as a wild and
debauchery filled party, which it is. However, there is a history of Mardi
Gras. Undeniably one of the most unique celebrations there is, Mardi
Gras in New Orleans can be traced back to 1699. Mardi Gras has
survived Spanish rule, a wartime suspension and violent behavior in the
1840's and 1850's. The Mardi Gras celebration began with Pre-Lenten
masked balls and festivals. The first parade did not take place until 1837
and the organizations known as "Krewes" were originated from a group
known as Comus in 1857. Comus also began the customs of the secret
Carnival society, having a parade with unifying theme with floats, and
having a ball after the parade.
Mardi Gras itself means "Fat Tuesday", which can fall February 3 to
March 9. The date is always set 47 days prior to Easter Sunday. The
Mardi Gras season begins on January 6 which is the twelfth day after
Christmas known as "Epiphany", "Twelfth Night", or "Kings Day, and
continues until "Fat Tuesday", the day before Ash Wednesday. The
official colors for Mardi Gras are purple, green and gold chosen in 1872
by the King of Carnival, Rex. Purple represents Justice, Green represents
Faith and Gold represents Power.

New Orleans still needs our support. Carnival and Mardi Gras provide
the much needed economic influx critical to the rebuilding of one of this
country's most unique and dynamic cities.