On Mardi Gras in 18 27, a group of students donned colorful costumes and danced through the

streets of New Orleans, emulating the revelry theyd observed while visiting Paris. Ten years later,
the first recorded New Orleans Mardi Gras parade took place, a tradition that continues to this
day. In 18 57, a secret society of New Orleans businessmen called the Mistick Krewe of Comus
organized a torch-lit Mardi Gras procession with marching bands and rolling floats, setting the
tone for future public celebrations in the city. Since then, krewes have remained a fixture of the
Carnival scene throughout Louisiana. Other lasting customs include throwing beads and other
trinkets, wearing masks, decorating floats and eating King Cake.

King Cake is only eaten during Mardi Gras.

Serving a King Cake during Mardi Gras celebrations is a tradition that honors the Magi who visited
the Christ child on the twelfth night or Epiphany (January 6). The cake is shaped in a ring with a
pecan, bean or plastic baby placed inside the dough, before baking, to represent the baby Jesus.
The cake is then decorated with the purple, green and gold colors of Mardi Gras, and divided
among guests. Whoever finds the baby doll will host the next King Cake celebration.

Good evening class and teacher

We are going to talk about the holiday of mardi gras

Our names are:

Mardi gras origins

According to historians, Mardi Gras dates back thousands of years to pagan celebrations of spring
and fertility.

Mardi Gras Colors

Why was those colors chosen?

Selected the official Mardi Gras colors in 1872 to honor the visiting Russian Grand Duke Alexis
Alexandrovich Romanoff, whose house colors were purple, green and gold. The Meaning and
Origin of Purple, Green, and Gold in Mardi Gras

Purple Represents Justice. Green Represents Faith. Gold Represents Power.

Mardi Gras in the United States

When the French explorers Iberville and Bienville landed in what is now Louisiana, just south of
the holidays future epicenter: New Orleans. They held a small celebration and dubbed the spot
Point du Mardi Gras. In the decades that followed, New Orleans and other French settlements
began marking the holiday with street parties, masked balls and lavish dinners.

Mardi Gras Throw Beads

What separates Mardi Gras "throw" beads from other Mardi Gras beads?
As the name implies, throw beads are literally meant to be thrown. During Carnival parades,
Krewe members throw handfuls of beaded necklaces to eager crowds. Kids especially love
catching and wearing throw beads, but everyone gets into the spirit. Folks wear their beads
around their necks for the rest of the day, often trading beads with one another to add to the fun.
Who puts on Mardi Gras (RELLENO 2)

Mardi Gras would not be possible without the many Krewes which hold lavish balls and parades. A
Krewe is an organization that is usually private and by invitation only, although some are now
more open to public membership. All of the Krewes will hold "Balls" (private parties), and many
will also have a parade. It is at the parades where the public gets involved.

Mardi Gras Parades (RELLENO 2)

At the parades revelers will line up (sometimes twenty people deep!) to marvel at the costumed
riders on their magnificent floats. From these floats, Krewe members throw beads, candy, cups,
doubloons, toys and trinkets (called 'throws') to the crowds. A parade usually consists of between
ten and forty floats, which are often separated by marching bands, dance teams, or some other
performing group.