10 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Mardi Gras

1. Despite its name, Mardi Gras is a season not a day.  (Although, technically, the season is properly called "Carnival") While the holiday season  to most people means Thanksgiving through New Years.  In NOLA they are referring to Thanksgiving through Ash Wednesday.

 2. The official Mardi Gras colors stand for Faith (green) Power (Gold) and Justice (purple).


3. It is illegal to have corporate sponsorship of a Mardi Gras parade.  The festivities are proudly grass-root activities sponsored by and for the locals via non-profit organizations typically called "krewes" The groups collect membership dues and hold fundraisers throughout the year.  It is common for people to spend hundreds of dollars for the privilege of riding on a parade float.

4.  No one is in charge of Mardi Gras.  Despite having over 50 parades per season, there is no centralized coordination of Mardi Gras festivities.  Each krewe hosting a parade is responsible for obtaining its own permit, organizing its own floats, bands, and other parade participants, and paying all related costs. In addition to parades, many krewes also hold extravagant balls and/or post-parade parties.

5.  Mardi Gras is G rated (well, mostly).  Many of the parades take place during the day and feature school bands and community dance troupes.  In addition to beads and dubloons (krewe themed coins), parade floats feature kid-friendly throws such as stuffed animals or foam footballs.  There are no major parades on Burbon St. (or anywhere in the French Quarter), and while there are some bawdy parades & activities, they are much fewer in number.

6. Mardi Gras plays an important role in preserving history.  Parading krewes choose a theme each year; they are usually light-hearted, but can include social & political satire. In addition to showcasing current events in their parades, the founding and evolution of each krewe helps tell the story of New Orleans history and culture.  One of the most famous parading krewes, Zulu, is a historically black club incorporated as The Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club. Their club provided critical social support in the black community at a time when whites and blacks did not mix.  Membership dues were a kind of insurance in case of need in hard times. Their first parade was a spoof of one of the oldest parading krewes, Rex.  Rex, incorporated as Pro Bono Publico, is responsible for much of what is considered "official" about Mardi Gras.  Their first goal was to promote post-war Reconstruction in New Orleans a goal they naturally re-emphasized after Hurricane Katrina.  Both Zulu and Rex are considered "super krewes" due to their size, popularity, and history; by tradition they both parade on the actual day of Mardi Gras.

7. Mardi Gras parades promote education and pro-social activities.  Marching in a parade is considered a great privilege which creates an environment where staying after school for band practice is much cooler than hanging out on the corner.  (For a powerful view into the music youth culture of New Orleans, check out the 48 Hours documentary The Whole Gritty City).  Some high schools confer parade honor sashes upon students with enough credits to graduate.  And since costume and float construction are so important, sewing, painting, and crafting skills are highly regarded.  Additionally, many of the krewes participate in charitable activities throughout the year.

8. School bands are paid to perform in Mardi Gras parades.  While riding a parade float can be very expensive, the school bands who perform with a parade are usually paid.  By participating in multiple parades schools can earn significant funding for their music programs.

9. Mardi Gras beads make money for charity.  After Mardi Gras ends, people can recycle their beads by donating them to places like St. Michael's Special School where students and volunteers will sort, clean, and re-sell them to earn money for their program.  Parades are great opportunities for fundraisers too; schools that are on popular parade routes earn money by selling parking, food, and access to clean bathrooms.

10. Ash Wednesday is as popular as Mardi Gras.  The party is truly over at midnight on Tuesday and the sobriety and repentant nature of Lent is widely observed.  Ashes are as popular as beads, and distributed as freely though much more humbly.  New Orleans loves a good party, but there is also great respect for faith and religious practice.