1. Mardi Gras
By: Veronica Wentzel, Jennifer Morrow, Ashton Vaughn, & Brianna Stefanelli

2. History of Mardi Gras Began in Rome
“Lupercalia”-a circus-like orgy held in mid-February in Rome
Created as a period of merriment that would serve as a prelude to Lent
Mardi Gras came to America in French explorer Iberville
Had been celebrated in Paris since the Middle Ages
Iberville was on route up the Mississippi River
Set up camp on March 3, 1699 in present day New Orleans
Began the celebration in Point du Mardi Gras

3. 1700’s- Pre-lenten masked balls were popular in New Orleans
Tradition under French Rule
Spanish Rule in banned masked balls until 1823
1827-street masking allowed
Celebrations included: decorated carriages, masked people on foot and horseback
First Documented Parade: 1837 (parades began 1831 in Mobile)

4. 1840’s & 50’s- celebrations became violent and were given a bad reputation
Comus Organization (Mobile, AL) demonstrated and made Mardi Gras entertainment a safe and festive event.
1871- custom of the King’s cake begins and the first queen of Mardi Gras
1872- first king of Mardi Gras- Grand Duke Alexis Romanoff

5. America’s Greatest Party
Parades
Begin February 5th, 2012 and end on February 21st, 2012
Usually some days have parades back to back
Parties
Masquerade Balls
Food
Beads
Masks
Costumes n

6. Krewes of Mardi Gras
Krewes: any group or organization of revelers to band together to host a Mardi Gras ball, ride on a Mardi Gras parade float, and participate in social events throughout the year.
Some krewes stay active throughout the year through volunteering and hosting events
More than 50 krewes- number continues to grow each season
Krewe of Rex: King of the Carnival
First appeared in 1872
Most famous global symbol of Mardi Gras
All male krewe
Where the colors of Mardi Gras originated
Main parade on Mardi Gras

7. King’s Cake One of the most popular foods of Mardi Gras
In stores from January 6th- Ash Wednesday
A confection made of braided Danish pastry, laced with cinnamon
Always iced in Mardi Gras colors- purple, green, and gold
Video
Hidden in each King’s cake is a plastic baby or red bean, representing the Christ child
Whoever finds the bean or baby, brings/buys the next year’s King’s cake OR hosts the next party.

8. Fun Facts Colors: Purple- Justice Green- Faith Gold- Power
Named by a grand duke of Russia
Video
Mardi Gras- means Fat Tuesday in French
The term Carnival comes from the Latin expression meaning “farewell to the flesh”
Anthem: “If I Ever Cease To Love”
Over 50 countries celebrate their own version of Mardi Gras!

9. Online References