Mardi Gras History, Traditions and Safety Tips

Mardi Gras was originally a Pagan celebration. When Pagans started converting to Christianity, so did some of their traditions. Mardi Gras, means "Fat Tuesday", and is celebrated between February 3 and March 9. The actually day that Mardi Gras falls on changes from year to year depending on the Lunar calendar. Mardi Gras however, always falls 47 days before Easter.

Even though Mardi Gras is celebrated throughout the world, it was brought to New Orleans through its French heritage in 1699. On March 3, 1699 the first American Mardi Gras to place. There are several Mardi Gras celebrations throughout the United States, in fact almost every large city has some sort of celebration. But, if you where to ask anyone in the US where Mardi Gras takes place, their answer would be New Orleans.

Mardi Gras has three official colors which include purple, green, and gold. These three colors not only marry together for a festive color combination, but also have meanings behind them. Purple represents justice, the color green stands for faith, and gold stands for power. In the early 1800s trinkets were tossed to the crowds, starting a life long tradition. Today adults of all ages flock to Mardi Gras celebrations, for the beads that are tossed amongst the crowd.

With New Orleans not only having the first American Mardi Gras celebration, but still holding the record for most popular in the United States, it is no wonder that tourist from all over the world visit. Although there is no age limit on who can or cannot attend Mardi Gras, it is strongly advised that children, and the elderly do not attend the parade. It's not fair to say "one bad apple can soil it for the rest", at least not when you have hundreds of bad apples. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that all the residence of New Orleans are bad, in fact it's like any large city, there is great people, life long criminals, and everything between. However, when you toss in thousands of tourist, and tons of alcohol in the mix, Mardi Gras in New Orleans gets a little wild, and dangerous.