Jazz, necklaces and food: Mardi Gras is here!
Entertainment 27/01/2024
The parade season around the world is here and we want to spread the spirit that floods the streets of the most emblematic cities, such as Rio de Janeiro and of course, the United States in such iconic cities as New Orleans where for almost two centuries, one of the most anticipated parades in the world has been taking place, of course, we are talking about Mardi Gras, how did it start, what does it celebrate, what does it mean to get necklaces at Mardi Gras?
We tell you all about it!
Mardi Gras, which translates as "Fat Tuesday" in French, is an annual event that marks the last day of the carnival season and is celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Christian tradition of Lent.
In the historical records it is said that France was the first owner of Louisiana and years later, France gave Louisiana to Spain to finally be purchased by the United States in 1803, moment in which, it already had an extensive French historical and cultural record, including its traditional and colorful parade that brought visitors from all over the world to New Orleans.
Since then and until today, two weeks before Mardi Gras, it is possible to see daily small parades and parade floats that pass through the streets of this magical city.
It is no surprise that Louisiana has been the birthplace of famous jazzmen such as King Oliver and even the legendary trumpet player and best jazz performer in history; Louis Armstrongs, a legacy that remains to this day and you can hear it in the small bars of New Orleans that, on these dates are crowded with travelers from all over the world to delight your ears.
Of course, the masks are another of the most colorful elements of these dates, and we assure you, you will not find two identical ones during your visit to this city. Although, at the beginning, this element was typical of the Venice Carnival, thanks to immigration and cultural heritage, has been well received on the eve of this parade by locals and tourists.
Some of the most famous masks you will find are: the Bautas, which cover the entire face and date back to the 18th century, the oval-shaped Moretta, made of black velvet, the Plague Doctor, popular due to its prominent long beak in the shape of a bird, the Gnaga, in the shape of a female cat, and the most popular of all: the Harlequin and the Colombina, mask of the so-called "harlequin's bride" which is mistakenly known as "calypso eye mask".
When it comes to giving necklaces, there is an accepted historical explanation and it is that around the 19th century, the popular belief was that purple meant justice, green, faith and gold, power, therefore, whoever gives you a necklace of these tones on the eve of Mardi Gras, will be giving you their best wishes.
Pack your bags, masks and necklaces because next February 13th you have a date in New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras and be a witness of everything we tell you in this article. Don't forget to try the traditional King Cake, a traditional cake decorated with the colors of the carnival (green, purple and gold) and sometimes with a small toy hidden inside.
If you are in the mood to enjoy another destination that also celebrates its own version of Mardi Gras, just two hours away on a commercial flight, you will arrive to Orlando, where Disney World Theme Parks also celebrate this date and at Park Royal Orlando, we will be the starting place for your adventure.
If you prefer to celebrate in another area, our beach destinations at Park Royal Hotels & Resorts will also have their own celebration with Mardi Gras activities that our Funtastic Team has prepared for you to enjoy, from arts and crafts to colorful parties so no one is left out of this amazing event.
Start the year on the right foot and remember that at Park Royal Hotels & Resorts, you will always find an accommodation option to suit your plans.
We tell you all about it!
Mardi Gras origins
Mardi Gras, which translates as "Fat Tuesday" in French, is an annual event that marks the last day of the carnival season and is celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Christian tradition of Lent.
In the historical records it is said that France was the first owner of Louisiana and years later, France gave Louisiana to Spain to finally be purchased by the United States in 1803, moment in which, it already had an extensive French historical and cultural record, including its traditional and colorful parade that brought visitors from all over the world to New Orleans.
Since then and until today, two weeks before Mardi Gras, it is possible to see daily small parades and parade floats that pass through the streets of this magical city.
Jazz, masks, and necklaces?
It is no surprise that Louisiana has been the birthplace of famous jazzmen such as King Oliver and even the legendary trumpet player and best jazz performer in history; Louis Armstrongs, a legacy that remains to this day and you can hear it in the small bars of New Orleans that, on these dates are crowded with travelers from all over the world to delight your ears.
Of course, the masks are another of the most colorful elements of these dates, and we assure you, you will not find two identical ones during your visit to this city. Although, at the beginning, this element was typical of the Venice Carnival, thanks to immigration and cultural heritage, has been well received on the eve of this parade by locals and tourists.
Some of the most famous masks you will find are: the Bautas, which cover the entire face and date back to the 18th century, the oval-shaped Moretta, made of black velvet, the Plague Doctor, popular due to its prominent long beak in the shape of a bird, the Gnaga, in the shape of a female cat, and the most popular of all: the Harlequin and the Colombina, mask of the so-called "harlequin's bride" which is mistakenly known as "calypso eye mask".
When it comes to giving necklaces, there is an accepted historical explanation and it is that around the 19th century, the popular belief was that purple meant justice, green, faith and gold, power, therefore, whoever gives you a necklace of these tones on the eve of Mardi Gras, will be giving you their best wishes.
When is Mardi Gras 2024?
Pack your bags, masks and necklaces because next February 13th you have a date in New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras and be a witness of everything we tell you in this article. Don't forget to try the traditional King Cake, a traditional cake decorated with the colors of the carnival (green, purple and gold) and sometimes with a small toy hidden inside.
Where to celebrate Mardi Gras 2024?
If you are in the mood to enjoy another destination that also celebrates its own version of Mardi Gras, just two hours away on a commercial flight, you will arrive to Orlando, where Disney World Theme Parks also celebrate this date and at Park Royal Orlando, we will be the starting place for your adventure.
If you prefer to celebrate in another area, our beach destinations at Park Royal Hotels & Resorts will also have their own celebration with Mardi Gras activities that our Funtastic Team has prepared for you to enjoy, from arts and crafts to colorful parties so no one is left out of this amazing event.
Start the year on the right foot and remember that at Park Royal Hotels & Resorts, you will always find an accommodation option to suit your plans.
