There are a variety of destinations that celebrate Carnival every year. Each has its own flavor, but New Orleans is the location that comes to mind when you hear the term Mardi Gras. Made up of about 16 days of parades and parties, this annual event has been referred to as the “Greatest Free Show on Earth”. While there is no need for tickets, one should be prepared to fight the crowds for the attention of the Krewe members on the floats.
We want to thank the Louisiana State Museum for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.
Party Central
Visiting the Presbytére Museum offers a glimpse at the history and regalia of Mardi Gras. The museum has two floors of artifacts, with the first floor being dedicated to galleries about Hurricane Katrina’s impact on the city. (You can read about the Katrina exhibit here.) The second floor is all about the greatest free show on earth. The first Mardi Gras parade took place in 1857 with just one Krewe (sponsoring social group). This annual tradition began with only a handful of floats . They followed it with a ball, which is another highly anticipated event. Formal balls had been a New Orleans Mardi Gras tradition since the 1740’s. These high society events were elegant extravaganzas designed to celebrate the coming of Lent.
Parade Requirement
If you have ever visited New Orleans, you know how much music has become part of everyday life. During our last visit, we not only witnessed one of the street parades, we were in one. For the Greatest Free Show on Earth, they assemble entire marching bands to lead the way. Bedecked in glittering uniforms, they blast out tunes to get the crowd engaged. The party atmosphere really kicks in when the marching bands pass by.
Throw It To Me!
When people hear the name Mardi Gras, their thoughts conjure up images of beads being thrown out to the crowds. Would it surprise you to find out that there are a variety of throws that are tossed to the thousands of revelers? Besides the various beads, parade participants dispense toys, trinkets, and doubloons. The doubloons are a modern day version of the medallions that were once tossed to the open hands of the eager crowds. These two-sided coins will usually have the Krewe’s emblem on one side and the parade theme on the other. If you are really lucky, you might just snag on of the custom throws that are periodically tossed out. These could include coconuts, shoes, purses or even genie lamps. These ornately decorated trinkets are considered prize possessions by those lucky enough to get one.
Greatest Free Show On Earth
The Mardi Gras exhibit at the Presbytére Museum tries to give visitors the perspective of those riding on the floats. We can only imagine the non-stop calls and cries for attention that fall on them through the entire parade route. Being part of the Greatest Free Show on Earth would certainly be fun, but at the same time it could be exhausting. From our point of view, we will stick to being on the street side of the event. Would you want to be a Krewe member?
Mardi Gras Colors
Many recognize that purple, gold, and green seem to dominate the color palate during Mardi Gras. The colors can be traced back to the first Rex parade. Each color was chosen to represent a specific symbol. Purple represents Justice. Gold represents Power. Green represents Faith. These three colors were established in 1872, and are now found all throughout the city during Mardi Gras.
Krewe Royalty
So you think the parades are all that happen during Mardi Gras. Would it surprise you to find out that there are other tradition events that take place during the Greatest Free Show on Earth? Some of these are private affairs that are planned for an entire year. Each Krewe will hold a ball, which is hosted by the king and queen. While these are not usually open to the public, most people are not bothered by the lack of an invitation.
Taking Bedazzled to Another Level
Speaking of the king and queen of the Krewes, what would royalty be without their crowned jewels? As we made our way through the exhibits at the Presbytére, we came upon a series of cases filled with all sorts of royal artifacts. These are from various Krewe balls of the past and are amazing in detail. It shows just how serious the business of Mardi Gras is to those involved. You won’t want to miss seeing these glittering pieces.
Always Counting Down
Near the end of the exhibit, we came upon the countdown clock for the next Mardi Gras season. In New Orleans they are always looking forward to the next good party. We haven’t made it to an actual Mardi Gras parade, but we were fortunate enough to attend another holiday event. One of our previous visits took place during St. Patrick’s Day. It may have only been a one night parade, but it was amazing to behold. After successfully navigating that experience, we are now prepared to take it to the next level. Have you ever been to a Mardi Gras parade? We’d love to hear about your experience!
I learned so much from your post, Jeff! I’ve been to NOLA before, but hadn’t previously heard of the Presbytère. I immediately thought it had a connection ton the Presbyterian religion we have here in Canada, but have read their site, I don’t think there is a connection. I was also surprised to learn that there are Capuchin monks! I’ve seen Capuchin monkeys in the tropics. Question is … were the monks named after the monkeys. Or were the monkeys named after the monks?
Doreen, that is an interesting question. I imagine someone could write a post about the connection.
Yes, Carnivals are usually days-long with many other important events like food marathons, balls, and coronations, etc. I was able to attend the parade of the Mazatlan Carnaval which is billed as the third (behind New Orleans and Rio) biggest carnival in the world.
That sounds like a fun event. I’m sure you saw an amazing amount of entertainment.
I have a high school friend who moved to New Orleans several years ago. Judging by her Facebook posts, she is completely into the NOLA Mardi Gras scene, including attending some Krewe balls, in costume of course. If it can capture a Philly girl, the Mardi Gras spirit must be infectious.
How much fun she must be having these days. We have to admit we are a little jealous.
I would love to attend the Mardi Gras in New Orleans that you describe. I’ve been to the one in Lake Charles, which is more family-oriented, but still need to experience the big kahuna.
Carole, we certainly hope you make it there for this over-the-top festival.