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Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana has been called the "World's Largest Free Party." It is known for its pageantry, its excitement, and its excess. But, Mardi Gras is also rich with history and tradition. It celebrates the French, Spanish, and African heritage of its natives through parades, parties, food, and costumes. However, mere words cannot describe Mardi Gras, so get ready for some fun and excitement as you learn about Mardi Gras through pictures, activities, games, video, and sound. As the Cajuns say, "Laissez les bon temps roulez!"

Carnival New Orleans

Learn about Mardi Gras parades and krewes.

  1. What is a krewe? Give a definition of a krewe.
  2. What Mardi Gras festivities do krewes organize and participate in during Carnival?
  3. List the names of three Mardi Gras krewes.

 

Krewe of Zulu

The Zulus are one of the wildest krewes of Mardi Gras!

 

Carnival New Orleans

What is Mardi Gras?

  1. What time of year does Carnival occur?
  2. What specific day is Mardi Gras? What Catholic religious holiday comes right after Mardi Gras?

 

Mardi Gras Day

Create your own miniature Mardi Gras float!

 

Carnival New Orleans

What happens at a Mardi Gras ball?

  1. List the three types of carnival ball invitations.
  2. What happens during a ³call-out² at a Mardi Gras ball?
  3. What event usually occurs immediately after a ball? Where do the krewe members go afterward?

 

Mardi Gras Indians

Read about the rich tradition of the Mardi Gras Indians.

  1. Who traditionally make up the krewe of the Mardi Gras Indians? Why did they call themselves Indians?
  2. In the past, what did the Mardi Gras Indians use Mardi Gras day to do? Now what do Mardi Gras Indians do to celebrate?
  3. In at least four sentences tell whether you think the Mardi Gras Indians are racist or not?

 

Mardi Gras Day

Learn the history of the famous Mardi Gras King Cake.

  1. Where does the King Cake get its name?
  2. What is the responsibility of the person who receives the baby inside their piece of King Cake?

 

Mardi Gras Day

Try making your own King Cake.

 

Pastry Wiz

New Orleans is famous for its beignets (essentially French doughnuts). Try your hand at this easy recipe and ENJOY!

 

Mardi Gras Day

Play the Kind Cake Game and try your luck at finding the baby.

 

*Note to the instructor: You may use this site flexibly selecting certain activities and sections and leaving out others. I hope you and your students enjoy this activity and find it informative.

Art by A. Brenner

Author: ANGELA BRENNER - Email