Celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans | National Geographic

TL;DR

New Orleans Mardi Gras is a rich and elaborate celebration with traditions that date back over a century, including king cakes, ornate costumes, and lavish balls and parades.

Transcript

new orleans mardi gras is more than just a celebration before the christian season of lent begins in this city preparations for the big day begin weeks and even months in advance early mornings are nothing new for bakers but the predawn workload grows during carnival season from january 6 through fat tuesday new orleans cake cafe and bakery is a be... Read More

Key Insights

• 😉 Mardi Gras preparations in New Orleans begin well in advance, with bakeries producing large quantities of traditional king cakes during Carnival season.
• 🥳 Ornate costumes for Mardi Gras are highly valued and can cost thousands of dollars, highlighting the importance of appearance and luxury in the celebration.
• 🤑 The Louisiana State Museum offers a glimpse into the rich history of Mardi Gras traditions, showcasing items dating back to the 1850s.
• 🤾 The crew system plays a significant role in Mardi Gras, with various crews organizing lavish balls and parades throughout the season.
• 🧡 Building and decorating floats for Mardi Gras is an elaborate process that employs a range of skilled professionals.
• 😉 Music is an essential component of Mardi Gras, with Grammy-winning artist Ervin Mayfield emphasizing its role in the celebrations.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the significance of the trinkets or tiny babies baked inside the traditional king cakes?

The trinkets or babies baked inside king cakes hold special meaning, as whoever finds it is obligated to buy the next year's king cake and continue the tradition.

Q: How are the ornate costumes for Mardi Gras created?

Ornate costumes for Mardi Gras are meticulously made by artisans like Sally Hedrick, who refurbishes old costumes and creates new ones, often costing thousands of dollars.

Q: What is the importance of the crew system in Mardi Gras celebrations?

The crew system is central to Mardi Gras celebrations, with various crews organizing balls and parades. Being part of a crew is a commitment that involves paying dues, buying throws, ball gowns, and attending different functions.

Q: How are the elaborate floats for Mardi Gras constructed?

Floats for Mardi Gras are constructed in float dens, which are warehouses where the floats are built and decorated. It can take a month or more to complete a float and involves the work of carpenters, artists, welders, and more.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• New Orleans Mardi Gras preparations begin weeks and months in advance, with bakeries like the New Orleans Cake Cafe and Bakery making up to 50 king cakes a day during Carnival season.

• Ornate costumes for the social organizations hosting balls and parades are meticulously created, with some costing over $3,000.

• The Louisiana State Museum showcases more than 150 years of Mardi Gras traditions, while the crew system, featuring various Mardi Gras crews, adds to the festivities.