LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!

LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ! WHAT IS IT? Video 1 LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!

LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ! WHAT IS IT? MUSIC, PARADES, PICNICS, FLOATS and PARTIES…it’s one big holiday in New Orleans!   There are crazy outrageous COSTUMES They wear colorful long beads that they catch being thrown from the parade floats. Everyone sits on the ground playing games, playing music, having a picnic, and watching the crowds walk by between parades. Most of the businesses and roads are closed-- so they just walk everywhere.  LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!

PURPLE symbolizes JUSTICE GREEN symbolizes FAITH GOLD symbolizes POWER COLORS PURPLE symbolizes JUSTICE GREEN symbolizes FAITH GOLD symbolizes POWER LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!

LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ! video2 HOW IT EVOLVED: In 1857, a group of men formed a secret society called the Mystick Krewe of Comus to preserve the Mardi Gras celebrations and traditions. The Krewe of Rex formed in 1872 – was organized to entertain the visiting Grand Duke Alexis Romanoff of Russia. Because America didn't have royalty to properly welcome the Grand Duke, the men in Rex created a King "for the day" so the Grand Duke could be royally received. They secretly anointed one of the Krewes, a Mr.Halliday, to be the first King of Carnival. Many parades still keep their King's identity a secret until parade day. Mockery is one of the main characteristics of Mardi Gras! LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!

LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ! GUMBO SOUP One of the traditions dates back to Medieval times. Groups dress up in costumes to disguise their identity and go from house to house begging for the ingredients to make a communal meal...Gumbo Soup. Their costumes are brightly colored and are a parody of authority. Some ride horses others ride on a flatbed truck through the countryside. The “capitaine” maintains control over the Mardi Gras riders and runners. He gives instructions to the riders as they assemble early in the morning and then leads them on their run. When they arrive at a farm house, he gets permission to enter the property, and then the riders and runners may charge toward the house, where the Mardi Gras runners and riders sing, dance, and beg until the owner gives them an ingredient for Gumbo. Often, the owner will throw a live chicken into the air that they will chase it. Video 3 LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!

LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!

LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!

LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!

LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!

LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!

LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ! Video 4 La Chanson du Courir Les Mardi Gras vient de tout partout, tout le tour du moyeu. Vient une fois par an pour demander la charité Une vieille patate, une patate et des gratons. Les Mardi Gras vient de tout partout, tout le tour du moyeu. Vient une par an pour demander la charité Une vieille patate, une patate et des gratons. Capitaine, Capitaine, voyage ton flag. Allons se mettre dessus le chemin. Une fois par an pour demander la charité Et des patates, des patates et des gratons. Les Mardi Gras vient de l’Angleterre, tout le tour du moyeu. Vient une fois par an pour demander la charité Une vieille patate, une patate et des gratons.   There are several versions of the song. Each region has its own lyrics, but they are basically the same. LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!

LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ! BEADS & DOUBLOONS In 1884, over120 years ago, Rex started using medallions that today are called doubloons and are made of aluminum and anodized in many different colors. Doubloons depict the parade theme on one side and the Krewe's emblem on the other. Each Krewe chooses their own theme LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!

LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ! BALLS The King and Queen prepare all year for the big masquerade ball. Their identity is a closely guarded secret as part of the mystique until the night of the Ball. Most of the balls are a formal and private affair for the Krewe. Debutantes are introduced at the Ball Tableau as a formal introduction to society. The climbing of the social ladder starts for the children serving as pages to the court. Women dress in ball gowns and hope to be issued a "call-out" card. If fortunate enough to receive one, she will spend the evening dining and dancing with a prince, the Krewe member that sent the card. Originally, ball invitations were die-cut and printed in Paris -- and they continue to be quite colorful and valuable works of art LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!

LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!

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LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!

LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!

LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ! COSTUMES & MASKS In the early 1700's the French of New Orleans were holding elaborate balls where guests were encouraged to wear a mask. But when the Spanish government took over, parties and street dancing were banned. It wasn't until 1827, when Americans were in power, that the right to party in mask was restored, and with this new found freedom, elite parties began resurfacing again. LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!

LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ! KING CAKE As part of the Christian faith, the coming of the wise men bearing gifts to the Christ Child is celebrated twelve days after Christmas. It’s referred to as the Feast of the Epiphany or Little Christmas on the Twelfth Night. It’s a time of celebration, exchanging gifts and feasting. Today, the tradition continues as people all over the world celebrate Twelfth Night. A popular custom was and still is the baking of a special cake in honor of the three kings called "A King's Cake." LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!

LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ! Inside every cake is a tiny plastic baby; sometimes this baby is made of porcelain or even gold. The tradition of having King Cake Parties has evolved through time, and the person who receives the slice of cake with the baby is asked to continue the festivities by hosting the next King Cake party. Originally, King Cakes were a simple ring of dough with a small amount of decoration. Today's King Cakes are much more festive. After the rich Danish dough is braided and baked, the "baby" is inserted. The top of the ring or oval cake is then covered with delicious sugar toppings in the traditional Mardi Gras colors of purple, green and gold. January 6, the Twelfth Night after Christmas, is the day Mardi Gras season begins. Mardi Gras Day is always 41 days prior to Easter Sunday (Fat Tuesday is always the day before Ash Wednesday). LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!

LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ! KREWES The tradition of throws (beads & coins) dates back to the 1920s. The Rex Krewe began the tradition of throws by tossing doubloons, and inexpensive necklaces of glass beads. A Krewe is a private social club that sponsors balls, parades, etc., as part of the Mardi Gras festivities. As throws gained popularity, Krewes got more creative in what they decided to toss. Plastic cups, Frisbees, and other toys. Every Krewe wanted to make their own throw. LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!

LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ! Bacchus is the most innovative and imitated krewe this century. Owen "Pip" Brennan Jr. and a group of 13 friends decided to form Bacchus in 1968 to put spark back into the celebration of Mardi Gras.The krewe's large signature floats, Rendezvous supper dance with Las Vegas-type entertainment has celebrities featured each year. Bacchus, the Greek god of wine, reigning celebrities including Raymond Burr, Bob Hope, Dom DeLuise, Charlton Heston, William Shatner, Kirk Douglas, Dick Clark, and Luke Perry. In 2009 King Bacchus was Hulk Hogan. This year’s 2010 reigning King is Drew Brees, the quarterback of the New Orleans’ Saints. (Big year for him Mardi Gras & Super Bowl 2010) The Krewe of Bacchus holds its parade on the Sunday before Mardi Gras Day ... drawing crowds of several hundred thousands every year. The Bacchus parades through the streets of New Orleans with its massive floats, marching bands, and ceremonial escort groups .. ending up inside the Convention Center for their black-tie Rendezvous party of over 5000 guests from all over the country, featuring celebrity entertainment before and after the parade. LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!

LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ! Costumes & Masks In the early 1700's the French of New Orleans were holding elaborate balls where guests were encouraged to wear a mask. But when the Spanish government took over, parties and street dancing were banned. It wasn't until 1827, when Americans were in power, that the right to party in mask was restored, and with this new found freedom, elite parties began resurfacing again. LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!

LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ! PHOTOS from MARDI GRAS LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!

LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!

LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ! Video 5 PARADES & FLOATS Some large parades produce an indoor extravaganza the night of their parade. Everyone dresses formally, enjoys the parade, entertainment, and food all night long! LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!

LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!

LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!

LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!

LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ! Historically, slavery and racism were at the root of this cultural separation. The black neighborhoods in New Orleans gradually developed their own style of celebrating Mardi Gras. Their "Krewes" are named for imaginary Indian tribes according to the streets of their ward or gang. The Mardi Gras Indians named themselves after native Indians to pay respect for their assistance in escaping the tyranny of slavery. It was often local Indians who accepted slaves into their society when they made a break for freedom. They have never forgotten this support. LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!

MARDI GRAS INDIANS KREWES Video 6 MARDI GRAS INDIANS KREWES LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!

LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ! Mardi Gras is full of secrets and the Mardi Gras Indians are as much a part of that secret society as any other carnival organization. The Mardi Gras Indians are comprised, in large part, of the blacks of New Orleans' inner cities. They have paraded for well over a century...yet their parade is perhaps the least recognized Mardi Gras tradition. In the past, Mardi Gras was a violent day for many Mardi Gras Indians. It was a day often used to settle scores. The police were often unable to intervene due to the general confusion surrounding Mardi Gras events in the city. LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!

LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ! The LOOK of Mardi Gras LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!

LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ! THE MUSIC LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!

LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ! Jazz Blues R&B LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!

LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ! Video 7 Video 8 LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!

LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ! FOOD Hot & Spicy Seafood: Shrimp Crawfish Creole Cajun LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!

LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ! GUMBO King Cake LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!

JAMBALAYA (Dirty Rice) Beignets LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!

LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ! MARDI GRAS MYTHS It is COMPLETELY false that there is a Mardi Gras tradition to get beads LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!