Krewes, King Cake, and The Origins of Mardi Gras
Everybody knows about Mardi Gras. Images of drunken merrymakers clad in purple, green, and gold, throwing beads throughout the streets of New Orleans likely come to mind when you think of this holiday. What many people don’t know is that there’s much more to the colorful history of Mardi Gras than confections, nonstop parties, and general debauchery.
As you prepare to feast on your favorite Mardi Gras treats, take a look at some of the true origins and historical traditions behind this lively celebration!
What is Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras refers to the tradition of excessive food consumption that takes place during the festive season of Carnival, which precedes the period of customary fasting that accompanies Lent in the Catholic faith. The term itself is French for “Fat Tuesday”, named for the day before Ash Wednesday—when the 40 days of fasting officially begin. Mardi Gras is characterized by the ritualistic binge of unhealthy, rich, fatty foods and meats.
Where was Mardi Gras first celebrated?
The first Mardi Gras celebrations can be traced back to medieval Europe, most commonly occurring in Italy and France. Some of the earliest festivities in Rome actually originated as pagan celebrations of spring and fertility. When Rome adopted Catholicism as its religion, the jubilations blended with Christianity and spread to other European countries.
How did Mardi Gras start in America?
The holiday of indulgence was brought to America in 1699 by French-Canadian explorer Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville (whew, say that three times fast!).
Bienville landed about 60 miles south of what would eventually become New Orleans on the eve of Mardi Gras. In honor of the impending holiday, he named his settlement Pointe du Mardi Gras (the present-day city of Mobile, Alabama) and marked the first celebration of the occasion in the United States.
How is Mardi Gras celebrated today?
Mardi Gras celebrations have evolved into legendary parades, balls, and parties that take place throughout America. It became a legal holiday, recognized in Louisiana only, in 1875. Countless rituals and traditions are used to mark the lavish occasion all around the world. These are some of the most popular:
Themed Parades
Magnificent parades throughout the streets of New Orleans are led by Krewes—organizations dedicated to planning and bringing events to life for the Carnival season. Mardi Gras processions typically feature elaborately decorated themed floats, Krewe members riding/walking alongside them in gaudy masks and costumes, marching bands, horse-drawn carriages, and individuals carrying “flambeauxs” (flaming torches) to light their way.
Throws
In the late 19th century, the Krewe of Rex began throwing trinkets into crowds of parade followers as they passed by. Original throws were mostly glass beads and medallions emblazoned with the emblem of the Krewe. Today, you’re more likely to catch plastic beads, doubloons, toys, cups, headbands, and other glittery goodies from a Mardi Gras float!
King Cake
One of the more delectable Mardi Gras practices you’ll come across is the King Cake! Traditionally in New Orleans, this is a round, braided coffee cake covered in Mardi Gras-colored icing and sugar (green, purple, and gold).
King Cake comes with a small, plastic baby for you to place inside—people stopped baking them directly into the cake when they realized it was a choking hazard. According to custom, whoever cuts the piece with the baby inside is “king” for the day and must purchase the next cake or throw the next party.
Street Parties
Mardi Gras, especially in New Orleans, is also known for its more unofficial celebrations. In addition to the sponsored parades, galas, and events, the city’s people take to the streets to revel in the self-indulgent spirit of the holiday! If you head down to NOLA this time of year, you’ll see colorful banners, masks, street performers, and beads flying through the air everywhere you look.
Embrace the spirit of Mardi Gras this year with your own sweet and delicious celebration!
Head over to Otto’s Granary to get all of the gourmet treats you need to start your own Fat Tuesday tradition and make the most of the holiday. All of our candy shop products are also available to order online, so there’s no reason you can’t indulge from anywhere.
Check out our selection of goodies today to satisfy your sweet tooth just in time for Mardi Gras!
