The History of Mardi Gras: New Orleans' Most Treasured Tradition
Mardi Gras 1938 - William Vandivert The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock
At Jean Lafitte House, our guests often ask about the origins of our city's most famous celebration. As we prepare for another magnificent Mardi Gras season, we thought we'd share the fascinating history behind this beloved tradition that has become synonymous with New Orleans culture.
While many associate Mardi Gras exclusively with New Orleans, its origins actually date back thousands of years to pagan celebrations of spring and fertility in ancient Rome. These pre-Christian festivals, particularly "Lupercalia," included feasting, dancing, and revelry—themes that would carry forward through the centuries. When Christianity spread throughout Europe, religious leaders incorporated these popular local celebrations into the new faith rather than abolishing them. The revelry of Mardi Gras became tied to the liturgical calendar, specifically as the final celebration before the solemn fasting period of Lent.
The term "Mardi Gras" itself is French for "Fat Tuesday," referring to the practice of indulging in rich, fatty foods on the last day before the ritual fasting of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. This tradition emerged from practical necessity—in the days before refrigeration, perishable items like meat, eggs, milk, and butter needed to be consumed before the 40-day Lenten period. This final day of feasting became an opportunity for communities to come together in celebration, knowing that the weeks ahead would be marked by sacrifice and reflection. The name perfectly captures the spirit of abundance and indulgence that characterizes the festivities.
Mardi Gras came to North America with French explorers and settlers. On March 3, 1699, French-Canadian explorer Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville arrived at a plot of land about 60 miles south of where New Orleans would eventually be established. Realizing it was the eve of the festive holiday, he named the spot "Point du Mardi Gras." A few years later, in 1718, Bienville established New Orleans, and by the 1730s, Mardi Gras was celebrated openly in the young city with elegant society balls. These sophisticated affairs set the template for the elaborate balls that remain an integral part of Mardi Gras traditions today.
By the early 19th century, New Orleans had grown into a thriving port city with a diverse population. Public celebrations of Mardi Gras had become increasingly chaotic, sometimes even dangerous. The holiday's future in New Orleans was uncertain until 1857, when a secret society called the Mistick Krewe of Comus organized the first themed Mardi Gras parade with floats, establishing a new level of sophistication and structure.
The success of Comus inspired the formation of other "krewes"—social organizations dedicated to building elaborate floats and hosting balls. The Rex organization, formed in 1872, introduced the official Mardi Gras colors of purple (justice), green (faith), and gold (power), and established the tradition of a "King of Carnival."
Over the decades, additional traditions emerged that have become central to the Mardi Gras experience:
Krewe of Zulu: Founded in 1909, this predominantly African American krewe introduced their famous coconut throws in the 1910s.
Carnival Season: While many visitors think Mardi Gras is just one day, it's actually a season that begins on January 6th (Twelfth Night or Epiphany) and culminates on Fat Tuesday.
King Cakes: These ring-shaped pastries, decorated in purple, green, and gold, contain a small plastic baby—whoever finds it is traditionally responsible for providing the next king cake.
Throws: The tradition of tossing trinkets from floats began in the 1870s, with strings of glass beads becoming popular in the early 20th century. Today, krewe members throw beads, cups, toys, and krewe-specific items to eager crowds.
Here at Jean Lafitte House, we embrace the spirit of Mardi Gras year-round. Our location in the historic French Quarter places our guests in the heart of many Mardi Gras celebrations, while still offering a tranquil retreat from the most crowded parade routes. Many of our guests choose to stay with us during this vibrant season, appreciating our authentic New Orleans atmosphere and the ability to easily access festivities while having a peaceful place to return to. Our knowledgeable staff delight in sharing insider tips to help visitors experience both the famous spectacles and the lesser-known local celebrations that make Mardi Gras truly special.
If you're planning to join us for Mardi Gras, consider these authentic experiences:
- Watch the Krewe of Bacchus or Orpheus parades, known for their celebrity monarchs and spectacular floats
- Enjoy the historic Rex parade on Mardi Gras day, the oldest parading krewe still in existence
- Marvel at the elaborate costumes of the Mardi Gras Indians, representing a unique cultural tradition
- Sample traditional king cake from one of our renowned local bakeries
- Join locals at neighborhood parades that offer a more intimate experience than the major routes
While the revelry of Mardi Gras captivates visitors, it's worth reflecting on the deeper significance of this tradition. At its heart, Mardi Gras represents the vibrant, resilient spirit of New Orleans—a city that has faced countless challenges throughout its history yet continues to celebrate life with unmatched passion and joy.
The tradition reminds us of the importance of community, creativity, and finding moments of celebration even in difficult times. It's a cultural expression that has evolved over centuries while maintaining connections to its ancient roots. At Jean Lafitte House, we're proud to be part of a city with such a rich cultural heritage, and we look forward to sharing the magic of Mardi Gras with our guests for many years to come.