10 Popular Mardi Gras Traditions and the History Behind Them

Chances are you’ve heard the term “Fat Tuesday.” That’s because in French, Mardi means “Tuesday'” and gras means “fat.” Put it together, and you’ve got Fat Tuesday, but what does it mean? Since Mardi Gras takes place on the last Tuesday before Lent, it’s the day when people indulge in decadent, potentially fattening foods. Bring on the fried oysters and king cake!

No Mardi Gras celebration is complete without a slice of king cake. Surprisingly, the vibrant dessert has religious roots. The cake symbolizes the three kings bringing gifts to baby Jesus. Sweet, right? A mix between coffee cake and a gooey cinnamon roll, the circular treat is always decorated with bold purple, gold, and green colors — a nod to the traditional Mardi Gras hues. The best part? It contains an exciting hidden treasure. If you’re lucky, you just might score a slice that contains a plastic baby that is supposed to bring good fortune.

RELATED: Our Best King Cake Recipe

Rex, which means “king” in Latin, was organized by European businessmen in New Orleans who wanted to honor Grand Duke Alexis of Russia’s visit to New Orleans by throwing a lavish celebration. Their efforts were twofold. In addition to honoring the Grand Duke, they also wanted to attract tourists to New Orleans following the American Civil War. Throughout Mardi Gras history, the Rex organization reigns supreme. Its members throw extravagant galas, and their parade is one of the most celebrated of the festival. Plus, every year a new Rex is crowned “King of the Carnival.” This noble honor includes receiving the coveted, symbolic Key to the City by the mayor.

While beads get all the attention, there’s a more natural “throw” that’s given out during Mardi Gras: Zulu coconuts. Yes, the hairy fruit with the hard shell has been a constant at the festivities for more than a century. As one of the oldest African American krewes (parade hosts), the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club passed out their first coconuts in 1909. Originally, they were thrown into the crowds in their natural state, but today they are hairless, hand-painted in glittery designs and handed to revelers instead of being tossed.

The act of throwing beads might be one of the most prominent activities that take place during Mardi Gras. What is known by locals and Mardi Gras goers as “throws,” happens when beads and other eye-catching trinkets are tossed from parade floats into crowds. This tradition is believed to have started in the late 19th century when a carnival king threw out fake gems and jewelry to his supporters. Mardi Gras parade revelers have a blast catching the beads all in fun. In fact, every year, over 25 million pounds of Mardi Gras beads are thrown from floats.

Since the beginning of Mardi Gras, flambeaux have lit the path for the parades. Derived from flambe, the French word for “flame,” flambeaux have been a mainstay of the festival. Historically, flambeaux walkers were enslaved and free African American men who entertained onlookers with jaw-dropping twirls and fascinating stunts in exchange for tips. Today, the centuries old tradition continues.

You can’t take two steps onto Bourbon Street without seeing splashes of purple, gold, and green displayed throughout the area. That’s because these are the official colors of Mardi Gras. Like many cultural events and celebrations, symbolism is a common theme and Mardi Gras is no exception. These vivid colors represent justice (purple), power (gold), and faith (green). It’s believed that the Krewe of Rex came up with the colors in 1872, and they became official during the "Symbolism of Color" parade 20 years later in 1892.

You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone maskless during Mardi Gras. All parade float riders must don masks to keep up the mystique surrounding their identities. Yes, you read that right — it’s the law. It’s believed that in the beginning of Mardi Gras, people wore masks for a sense of freedom and liberation. The anonymity allowed them to mingle, be themselves and have fun without class constraints. Today, the sentiment remains

It’s simple, you can’t have Mardi Gras without parades. The jubilant processions are integral to the celebration and have been a part of Mardi Gras since its inception. Since the beginning, krewes have been in control of their vibe and overall aesthetic, including the floats. This year, there are approximately 40 parades scheduled to take over the French Quarter and surrounding areas.

While New Orleans is the epicenter of Mardi Gras, it’s not the only place where the party happens. Keep in mind, carnival is celebrated in countries across the globe, including Italy, Germany, Poland, the United Kingdom, to name a few. Since Mardi Gras occurs on the last day of the carnival season, it only makes sense that it’s celebrated in these places as well. And the stateside festivities don’t end in the Big Easy either. States like Alabama, Mississippi and Florida all partake in the Mardi Gras fun.