Mardi Gras

The origin of Mardi Gras has its origin in the Roman festival Lupercalia, a pagan festival that predates Christianity and was celebrated in mid-February. When the Romans embraced Christianity, the church decided to incorporate some pagan festivals into the Christian religion to appease the masses.

Mardi Gras is French meaning "Fat Tuesday." The Mardi Gras celebrations, parades, and balls are usually held for twelve days before Lent begins, "Shrove Tuesday."

New Orleans

New Orleans was originally under French rule. During that time, festivals and masked balls were held. When the Spanish took over, the balls and festivals were banned. The United States purchased Louisiana and the governor in 1823 allowed masked balls again. People were allowed to start wearing masks in the streets again in 1827.

An impromptu parade by several young men in 1827 through the French Quarter of New Orleans wearing costumes and masks revived the French custom of parading through the streets.

The Mystick Krewe of Comus was the first organized group to parade through the streets on floats pulled by horses. In 1872 the official colors, purple (justice), green (faith), and gold (power), of Mardi Gras were adopted. The king, known as "Rex," rides the main float. Those around him on the float toss tin coins, plastic beads, and other trinkets to the crowds.

As the popularity of Mardi Gras grew, other krewes were organized. Mardi Gras has been celebrated continuously except during times of war. In the 1970s, a police strike in New Orleans cancelled the festival.

Galveston, Texas

Mardi Gras is also a major holiday celebration in Galveston, Texas. Galveston's first Mardi Gras celebration was in 1867 and included a masked ball and a performance of Shakespeare's King Henry IV.

In 1871, two krewes created night parades, masked balls, and elaborate costumes. In the following year, the parades and balls became more elaborate and attracted attention throughout the state. Visitors from around the state of Texas began to attend the Mardi Gras festivities in Galveston.

The parades and costumes proved to be too expensive and so the celebrations were toned down. The festivities were reduced to one day during World War I and the shortages of World War II caused the public celebrations to cease. There were private celebrations.

The tradition of Mardi Gras with a public parade, floats, marching bands, and a ball was revived in 1985 by George and Cynthia Mitchell. Mardi Gras has grown in size and scope and provides a significant economic boost to the Island in midwinter.

Mobile, Alabama

The Mardi Gras celebration in Mobile began with a festival in 1703 before Mardi Gras was celebrated in New Orleans. Mobile, at that time, was the capital of the French colonies in that area.

The Mobile Mardi Gras is for young and old alike. The first carnival society was formed in 1704. Horse-drawn floats were introduced in 1840. Carnival celebrations were suspended during the Civil War. However, Mobile was occupied by the Union Army and the citizens had become discouraged. The story goes that Joe Cain put on a costume of Chickasaw Indian clothing and climbed aboard a decorated coal wagon drawn by a mule. He paraded through the streets of Mobile and the Mardi Gras spirit was renewed.

Hollywood, Florida

The Mardi Gras tradition originated in Hollywood, Florida in 1935 as the Fiesta of Nations to celebrate different cultures. In 1836 it was renamed Fiesta Tropicale to attract visitors from the northern states. Its focus changed to pattern itself after the street parades of Mardi Gras held in New Orleans. The festival was cancelled during World War II and revived in 1944. The festival was discontinued after 1966.

In 1997 a group of residents established the Fiesta Tropicale of Hollywood, Inc. Today, the festival is a celebration of the cultural diversity of the area.

Mardi Gras festivities and parades are held in other cities in Louisiana, Florida, and Texas.

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