Mardi Gras is also known as “the festival season,” and is one of the most colorful holidays celebrated in America and all over the world, and even if you don’t live in New Orleans (a city famous for its Mardi Gras celebrations) you can still join in the fun by hosting your very own Mardi Gras party. Find out more in How to Host a Mardi Gras Party! In 2020, Mardi Gras falls on February 25th.
Mardi Gras | Fat Tuesday
What is Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday," and runs all the way until Ash Wednesday. It has roots in Christianity. Fat Tuesday originally referred to the last day people would eat lots of meats before starting Lent, now Mardi Gras is known for its carnival celebrations, parades and revelry! People wear masks and costumes and dance in the streets.
Mardi Gras beads
What You’ll Need
There are lots of different ways to throw a Mardi Gras party, but make sure to put emphasis on being bright, bold and festive!
- Mardi Gras traditional colors are purple, gold and green, so make or buy decorations like streamers and balloons for your party.
- Find some traditional New Orleans brass band or zydeco music to put the party people in the mood!
- In Carnival celebrations people often wear costumes and masks with brightly colored feathers, ask your guests to make and bring their own costumes, or buy some blank masks and have your friends decorate them during the party. All you need is bright feathers, glitter and glue! The glitzier the better when it comes to Mardi Gras!
- You’ll also need Mardi Gras beads (which you can usually get at the dollar store) so you can give them away to your guests and whoever else may drop by.
- If you want to stick with the New Orleans theme, try putting out some spicy snacks with Cajun flavoring and purple, gold and green snacks.
- Don’t forget, Mardi Gras is all about cutting loose and having fun, so turn up the music full blast and get wild as soon as your party guests come through the door!
Masks with feathers are traditional Mardi Gras costumes
Have Your Say
Will you host a Mardi Gras Party this year? Let us know in the comments section below.
