March 4 – Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is Today!

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MARDI GRAS PARTY IDEAS STEP-BY-STEP!

•  Purchase Mardi Gras Party things.
•  Enjoy EarthCam’s LIVE feed of Bourbon Street.
•  Decorate with these amazing balloon garland ideas.
•  39 Mardi Gras recipes with beautiful photos.
•  All about Mardi Gras Traditions.
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Originating in New Orleans and popularized by its vibrant parades, Mardi Gras has become a favored holiday for many. The colorful floats, extravagant costumes, and lively music create a truly unique atmosphere that keeps people coming back year after year.

In addition to being a cultural experience, it is also tradition to dine on Cajun food as well as special snacks created just for this yearly celebration. From the beads thrown from parade floats to throwing parties while donning masks in anticipation of Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras offers something exciting for everyone who seeks to enjoy its fervor.  Since we can’t all be in New Orleans for the celebration, we’ve compiled this guide for great Mardi Gras party ideas!

HISTORY OF MARDI GRAS

Mardi Gras is an iconic celebration that dates all the way back to medieval times. It originated in France and spread throughout Europe from there. Eventually, it made its way across the ocean to North America where it became a popular celebration in many French-influenced cities, in particular, New Orleans. For centuries, people have been gathering to celebrate with parades and revelry to mark the beginning of the Lenten season. Today, Mardi Gras continues to be one of the most beloved annual festivals around the world – lending a unique air of magic and merriment wherever it is celebrated.

100 WAYS TO CELEBRATE WITH MARDI GRAS PARTY IDEAS

1. Attend a Parade: Participate in or watch the vibrant and colorful Mardi Gras parades, filled with music, floats, and elaborate costumes.
2. Indulge in King Cake: Enjoy the traditional Mardi Gras treat, King Cake, a delicious pastry typically decorated in purple, green, and gold icing.
3. Join a Second Line: Take part in a Second Line parade, where revelers dance through the streets to lively brass band music, carrying umbrellas and handkerchiefs.
4. Dress in Costume: Embrace the festive spirit by dressing up in vibrant costumes, masks, and beads, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
5. Sample Cajun Cuisine: Delight your taste buds with authentic Cajun and Creole dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish étouffée, and beignets.
6. Attend a Masquerade Ball: Attend a glamorous masquerade ball, where you can dance the night away in elegant attire and mysterious masks.
7. Participate in a Gumbo Cook-Off: Compete or taste-test various gumbo recipes at a local gumbo cook-off event, celebrating this beloved Louisiana dish.
8. Join a Krewe: Become a member of a Krewe, a social club that organizes Mardi Gras festivities and parades, and participate in their activities.
9. Learn Zydeco Dancing: Take Zydeco dance lessons and groove to the upbeat rhythms of this lively Cajun dance style during Mardi Gras celebrations.
10. Explore French Quarter: Wander through the historic French Quarter, soaking in the sights, sounds, and smells of Mardi Gras revelry on Bourbon Street and beyond.
11. Watch Mardi Gras Indians: Witness the spectacle of Mardi Gras Indians parading in elaborate costumes, showcasing intricate beadwork and feathers.
12. Catch Throws at Parades: Stand along the parade route and catch throws like beads, cups, and doubloons tossed by parade participants.
13. Visit Mardi Gras Museums: Explore Mardi Gras museums and exhibits to learn about the history, traditions, and cultural significance of the celebration.
14. Take a Riverboat Cruise: Enjoy a scenic riverboat cruise along the Mississippi River, offering panoramic views of the festivities and city skyline.
15. Attend a Jazz Brunch: Indulge in a leisurely jazz brunch featuring live music, Southern cuisine, and classic cocktails to kick off your Mardi Gras day.
16. Watch Fireworks: Witness dazzling fireworks displays lighting up the night sky, adding an extra touch of magic to Mardi Gras celebrations.
17. Volunteer for Cleanup: Give back to the community by volunteering for post-parade cleanup efforts, helping keep the streets clean and festive for all.
18. Take a Swamp Tour: Embark on a swamp tour to explore Louisiana’s natural beauty, spot wildlife, and learn about the region’s unique ecosystems.
19. Attend Mardi Gras Balls: Attend elegant Mardi Gras balls hosted by various Krewes, featuring live music, formal attire, and royal coronations.
20. Share the Joy: Spread joy and goodwill by sharing the Mardi Gras spirit with friends, family, and strangers, making memories that last a lifetime.
21.  Create DIY Masks: Get creative and make your own Mardi Gras masks using feathers, sequins, glitter, and other festive decorations.
22. Host a Mardi Gras Party: Throw a lively Mardi Gras-themed party with colorful decorations, Cajun cuisine, and upbeat music for friends and family to enjoy.
23. Take a Mardi Gras Cooking Class: Learn to cook traditional Mardi Gras dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and king cake in a fun and interactive cooking class.
24. Join a Mardi Gras Pub Crawl: Explore the local nightlife scene by joining a Mardi Gras-themed pub crawl, hopping from bar to bar and sampling specialty drinks.
25. Attend a Mardi Gras Concert: Check out live music performances by local bands or famous musicians playing at venues around town during Mardi Gras festivities.
26. Decorate Your Home: Spruce up your home with festive Mardi Gras decorations such as beads, masks, streamers, and banners to set the mood for celebration.
27. Take a Mardi Gras Walking Tour: Explore the history and culture of Mardi Gras by taking a guided walking tour of historic neighborhoods and landmarks.
28. Host a Cajun Crawfish Boil: Gather friends and family for a traditional Cajun crawfish boil, complete with fresh seafood, potatoes, corn, and Cajun spices.
29. Attend a Mardi Gras Ball: Dress up in your finest attire and attend an elegant Mardi Gras ball or gala, featuring live music, dancing, and elaborate costumes.
30. Watch a Mardi Gras Parade from a Balcony: Experience the excitement of a Mardi Gras parade from a balcony overlooking the route, complete with a bird’s eye view of the festivities.
31. Take a Mardi Gras-themed Photoshoot: Dress up in Mardi Gras costumes and props and have a festive photoshoot to capture memories of the celebration.
32. Try Mardi Gras-inspired Cocktails: Mix up Mardi Gras-themed cocktails like Hurricanes, Sazeracs, and Ramos Gin Fizz to toast to the occasion with friends.
33. Visit Mardi Gras-themed Attractions: Explore local attractions and landmarks that celebrate Mardi Gras, such as museums, art installations, and historical sites.
34. Participate in a Mardi Gras 5K or Fun Run: Join a Mardi Gras-themed 5K race or fun run, where participants dress in costumes and run through the streets in celebration.
35. Learn Mardi Gras History: Brush up on your Mardi Gras history by reading books, watching documentaries, or visiting museums dedicated to the celebration.
36. Create Mardi Gras-themed Crafts: Get crafty and make Mardi Gras-themed crafts like bead art, masks, wreaths, and decorations to decorate your home.
37. Host a Mardi Gras Movie Marathon: Plan a movie marathon featuring classic Mardi Gras-themed films like “The Princess and the Frog” and “Interview with the Vampire.”
38. Support Local Mardi Gras Artists: Purchase artwork, crafts, and souvenirs created by local Mardi Gras artists to support the community and commemorate the occasion.
39. Spread Mardi Gras Cheer: Share the joy of Mardi Gras by performing random acts of kindness, volunteering, or donating to charitable organizations during the celebration.
40.  Create DIY Masks: Encourage kids to get creative and make their own Mardi Gras masks using colorful paper, feathers, sequins, and craft supplies.
41. Host a Mardi Gras Craft Party: Organize a craft party where kids can make Mardi Gras-themed crafts like bead necklaces, paper crowns, and mini floats.
42. Attend a Family-friendly Parade: Look for family-friendly Mardi Gras parades that offer a fun and festive atmosphere without the adult-oriented elements.
43. Decorate Mardi Gras Floats: Set up a mini parade in your backyard and have kids decorate wagons, bikes, or cardboard boxes as Mardi Gras floats.
44. Bake Mardi Gras Treats: Spend the day baking Mardi Gras treats like King Cake cupcakes, colorful cookies, or Mardi Gras-themed cake pops with the kids.
45. Have a Costume Dress-up Day: Let kids dress up in Mardi Gras costumes, masks, and accessories, and host a costume parade or fashion show at home.
46. Create Mardi Gras-themed Art: Set up an art station with paints, markers, and paper, and let kids create Mardi Gras-inspired artwork like masks, banners, and posters.
47. Host a Mardi Gras Dance Party: Turn up the music and have a dance party with Mardi Gras-themed music, dancing, and fun props like boas and maracas.
48. Read Mardi Gras Stories: Read Mardi Gras-themed books and stories with kids to learn about the history, traditions, and excitement of the celebration.
49. Make Mardi Gras Floats: Use cardboard boxes, construction paper, and craft supplies to help kids build and decorate their own mini Mardi Gras floats.
50. Organize a Bead Hunt: Hide colorful beads, coins, and trinkets around the house or backyard and let kids go on a treasure hunt to find them.
51. Cook Mardi Gras-themed Meals: Involve kids in the kitchen and cook up Mardi Gras-themed meals like Cajun jambalaya, shrimp po’boys, or colorful salads.
52. Play Mardi Gras Games: Set up games like pin the mask on the Mardi Gras character, bean bag toss, or Mardi Gras bingo for kids to enjoy.
53. Learn Mardi Gras Songs: Teach kids popular Mardi Gras songs and tunes like “When the Saints Go Marching In” and “Iko Iko” to sing and dance along.
54. Have a Bead-making Station: Set up a bead-making station with colorful beads, strings, and clasps for kids to create their own Mardi Gras bead necklaces.
55. Explore Mardi Gras Traditions: Talk to kids about the history and traditions of Mardi Gras, including the significance of colors, masks, and parades.
56. Create Mardi Gras Lanterns: Make Mardi Gras lanterns using colorful paper, glue, and LED tea lights, and hang them around the house for a festive glow.
57. Share Mardi Gras Treats with Neighbors: Bake extra Mardi Gras treats with kids and share them with neighbors as a fun way to spread Mardi Gras cheer.
58. Host a Mardi Gras Scavenger Hunt: Organize a Mardi Gras-themed scavenger hunt where participants search for hidden treasures, clues, and Mardi Gras-themed items around the neighborhood or city.
59. Organize a Mardi Gras Flash Mob: Coordinate a surprise Mardi Gras flash mob with friends or community members, complete with festive costumes, music, and dance routines in a public space.
60. Create Mardi Gras Sidewalk Chalk Art: Encourage creativity by inviting kids and adults to create vibrant Mardi Gras-themed sidewalk chalk art in a designated area, showcasing colorful designs and messages.
61. Host a Mardi Gras Costume Swap: Organize a costume swap event where participants can trade or donate gently used Mardi Gras costumes and accessories, promoting sustainability and community spirit.
62. Set Up a Mardi Gras Fortune Telling Booth: Create a whimsical fortune-telling booth with tarot cards, crystal balls, and palm reading guides, offering fun and lighthearted predictions for Mardi Gras revelers.
63. Organize a Mardi Gras Pet Parade: Invite pet owners to dress up their furry friends in Mardi Gras costumes and participate in a festive pet parade, complete with prizes for the most creative outfits.
64. Host a Mardi Gras-themed Karaoke Night: Transform your home or a local venue into a Mardi Gras-themed karaoke party, featuring lively music, colorful decorations, and sing-along performances of classic Mardi Gras tunes.
65. Create a Mardi Gras Time Capsule: Assemble a time capsule filled with Mardi Gras memorabilia, photos, messages, and trinkets, burying it in a designated location to be unearthed and revisited in the future.
66. Set Up a Mardi Gras Haunted House: Transform a space into a Mardi Gras-themed haunted house, complete with spooky decorations, interactive exhibits, and surprises around every corner for a thrilling experience.
67. Host a Mardi Gras-themed Murder Mystery Dinner: Plan a murder mystery dinner party with a Mardi Gras twist, where guests can solve a thrilling whodunit while enjoying delicious Cajun cuisine and festive cocktails.
68. Create a Mardi Gras Time Capsule: Assemble a time capsule filled with Mardi Gras memorabilia, photos, messages, and trinkets, burying it in a designated location to be unearthed and revisited in the future.
69. Host a Mardi Gras Poetry Slam: Invite poets and spoken word artists to share their Mardi Gras-inspired works at a poetry slam event, celebrating the rich culture, history, and spirit of the festival through spoken word.
70. Create a Mardi Gras-themed Escape Room: Design an immersive escape room experience with Mardi Gras-themed puzzles, challenges, and clues for participants to solve within a set time frame.
71. Organize a Mardi Gras-themed Charity Auction: Host a charity auction featuring unique Mardi Gras items, artwork, and experiences, with proceeds benefiting a local cause or organization.
72. Set Up a Mardi Gras-themed Photo Booth: Create a festive photo booth with Mardi Gras props, backdrops, and costumes, allowing guests to capture memorable moments and selfies during the celebration.
73. Host a Mardi Gras-themed Cooking Competition: Challenge amateur chefs to create their own Mardi Gras-inspired dishes in a friendly cooking competition, with judges scoring based on creativity, taste, and presentation.
74. Organize a Mardi Gras Treasure Hunt: Plan a Mardi Gras treasure hunt where participants search for hidden treasures, clues, and puzzles scattered throughout a designated area, leading to a grand prize or reward.
75.  Host a Mardi Gras Costume Fashion Show: Organize a fashion show where participants can showcase their creative Mardi Gras costumes and outfits, with prizes for the most original and elaborate ensembles.
76. Organize a Mardi Gras-themed Charity Bake Sale: Gather friends and family to bake and sell Mardi Gras-themed treats like king cake cupcakes, beignets, and pralines, with proceeds benefiting a local charity or cause.
77. Organize a Mardi Gras Pub Quiz Night: Host a pub quiz night with Mardi Gras-themed trivia questions, covering topics like history, traditions, music, and culture, for a fun and interactive evening with friends.
78. Create a Mardi Gras-themed Art Installation: Collaborate with local artists to create a large-scale Mardi Gras-themed art installation or mural in a public space, showcasing the vibrant colors and spirit of the festival.
79. Host a Mardi Gras-themed Game Night: Invite friends over for a game night featuring Mardi Gras-inspired board games, card games, and party games for an evening of laughter and friendly competition.
80. Set Up a Mardi Gras Fortune Telling Booth: Create a whimsical fortune-telling booth with tarot cards, crystal balls, and palm reading guides, offering fun and lighthearted predictions for Mardi Gras revelers.
81. Host a Mardi Gras-themed Paint and Sip Party: Arrange a paint and sip party where guests can create Mardi Gras-themed artwork while enjoying wine, cocktails, and Cajun-inspired appetizers for a relaxing and creative evening.
82. Organize a Mardi Gras-themed Karaoke Night: Transform your home or a local venue into a Mardi Gras-themed karaoke party, featuring lively music, colorful decorations, and sing-along performances of classic Mardi Gras tunes.
83. Organize a Mardi Gras-themed Book Club: Start a book club focused on Mardi Gras-themed literature, poetry, and essays, with discussions and activities centered around the festival’s traditions and themes.
84. Host a Mardi Gras-themed Cocktail Making Class: Arrange a cocktail making class where participants can learn to craft signature Mardi Gras cocktails like Hurricanes, Sazeracs, and Ramos Gin Fizz, under the guidance of a mixologist.
85. Organize a Mardi Gras-themed DIY Carnival Games: Set up DIY carnival games like ring toss, bean bag toss, and bottle knockdown, with Mardi Gras-themed prizes for winners to enjoy.
86. Organize a Mardi Gras-themed Virtual Party: Host a virtual Mardi Gras party using video conferencing platforms, with activities like costume contests, trivia games, and dance-offs for guests to enjoy from the comfort of their homes.
87. Organize a Mardi Gras-themed Dance Competition: Host a dance competition featuring Mardi Gras-inspired dances like the Zydeco, Second Line, and Cajun Two-Step, with judges and prizes for the best performances.
88. Create a Mardi Gras-themed DIY Carnival: Set up a DIY carnival in your backyard or neighborhood park, with games, rides, and attractions inspired by the spirit of Mardi Gras.
89. Host a Mardi Gras-themed Talent Show: Showcase local talent with a talent show featuring Mardi Gras-inspired performances like music, dance, comedy, and poetry.
90. Create a Mardi Gras-themed Pop-up Shop: Set up a pop-up shop selling Mardi Gras-themed merchandise like masks, beads, costumes, and souvenirs for guests to browse and purchase.
91. Organize a Mardi Gras-themed Family Olympics: Plan a series of family-friendly Olympic-style games and competitions with Mardi Gras twists, such as bead relay races, mask-making contests, and gumbo cook-offs.
92.  Mardi Gras Casino Night: Transform your home into a lively casino with blackjack, poker, and roulette tables. Guests can enjoy playing casino games while sipping on festive cocktails and nibbling on hors d’oeuvres.
93. Mardi Gras Burlesque Show: Host a sultry burlesque show featuring talented performers in dazzling costumes. Guests can enjoy a night of entertainment with captivating performances and lively music.
94. Mardi Gras Jazz Brunch: Arrange a jazz brunch with live music, bottomless mimosas, and a delicious spread of brunch favorites like beignets, shrimp and grits, and eggs benedict.
95. Pet Costume Parade: Organize a pet costume parade in your neighborhood or local park where pets can strut their stuff in festive Mardi Gras attire. Invite friends and neighbors to join in the fun and award prizes for the best costumes.
96. Mardi Gras Pet Photo Booth: Set up a Mardi Gras-themed photo booth for pets, complete with colorful props and backdrops. Capture adorable photos of furry friends dressed in Mardi Gras costumes and share them on social media.
97. DIY Mardi Gras Pet Masks: Get creative and make DIY Mardi Gras masks for pets using safe, pet-friendly materials like felt, feathers, and ribbon. Host a mask-making party for pet owners to craft unique masks for their furry companions.
98. Mardi Gras Pet Treats: Bake homemade Mardi Gras-themed pet treats using pet-safe ingredients like peanut butter, pumpkin, and oats. Shape treats into festive shapes like masks, crowns, and beads for a tasty and fun snack.
99. Pet-Friendly Mardi Gras Parade: Attend a pet-friendly Mardi Gras parade where pets are welcome to join the festivities alongside their owners. Dress up pets in Mardi Gras costumes and enjoy watching the colorful floats and marching bands.
100. Mardi Gras Pet Portrait Session: Arrange a professional pet portrait session with a photographer specializing in pet photography. Capture beautiful portraits of pets dressed in Mardi Gras costumes to cherish for years to come.

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Do you have any ideas about how to celebrate Mardi Gras?  Please share them!