Mardi Gras landed on the shores of what is now America in 1699, and we've been parading and partying our way into Lent ever since. Drawing on this rich festival history, there are so many Mardi Gras facts to know about topics from king cakes to krewes. And that's just what we are sharing about here!
You can find Mardi Gras festivities from Brazil to Venice, and of course carnival is in full swing in new Orleans each year starting January 6. To help you get in the purple, green, and gold spirit, we've rounded up interesting history, trivia, and facts to help you know just what you are celebrating with all those beads and parades, and festive Mardi Gras recipes too. But do you have to wear a mask? How does the system of krewe royalty work? How can you score free beads? And better yet, how can you get on a parade float? We've got all those answers for you and more below.
So read up on all these fun facts and get ready to laissez les bon temps rouler (and to share about it with just the right Instagram caption too) in 2023!
Rebecca was the social media editor at CountryLiving.com and WomansDay.com.
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