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French colonists brought Mardi Gras to America in the early 1700s. It grew popular in New Orleans, Louisiana, and spread through the Sauthern States. Mardi Gras is a legal holiday in Alabama, Florida, and in eight parishes (counties) of Louisiana. The New Orleans celebration is the most famous. It attracts tourists from around the world. Parades begin a week before Mardi Gras. Societies called krewes organize and pay for the parades and other festivities. During the carnival season the krewes give balls and parties. They parade in masks and fancy dress. A parade of floats and marching bands climaxes the carnival of Mardi Gras. Riders on the floats through necklaces and coins called doubloons to onlookers. Mardi Gras goes back to an ancient Roman custom of merrymaking before a period of fast. |
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Origins of the holiday Mardi GrasDifferent authorities believe the holiday originated in various ways. Some trace it to an ancient Roman festival called Lupercalia which was held on February 15. Other experts connect the event with one or more saints of the early Christian church. Still others link it with an old English belief that birds choose their mates on February 14. Valentine’s Day probably came from a combination of all the sources – plus the belief that spring is a time for lovers. |
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