Tag: Carnival
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Think Carnival season is only celebrated in New Orleans? Not so fast!
Carnival is here! In our last blog post, we dug into how the ways New Orleans celebrates this special season can be traced back thousands of years to ancient Europe. We learned why we have these traditions leading up to Mardi Gras, but these traditions aren’t ours alone. While we are celebrating the Carnival season…
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Discover the roots of Carnival season—a worldwide phenomenon!
During Mardi Gras, the Greater New Orleans Area—and really most of Louisiana—feels like a one-of-a-kind place! In fact, we have a phrase to describe this feeling: “Everywhere else it’s just Tuesday.” The traditions of Louisiana during our weeks-long Carnival season are definitely special. Other places in the world have their version of king cake, for…
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Did you know king cake used to be a one-day-a-year treat?
Everyone in our slice of Louisiana is fully aware that king cake season begins on January 6. It’s the beginning of Carnival season, which means our favorite purple, green, and gold treat is available all the way until Mardi Gras. But what many people — and we’d wager to say most people — don’t realize…
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The Meeting of the Courts: When Rex Met Comus
While Mardi Gras is known for its lavish parades and costumed revelry, there is also an air of romance and mystery which is sometimes overlooked. Though thousands gather to watch elaborate floats pass by, crying out for various trinkets, few give thought to the royalty waving at the crowds. Masked or bare-faced, the Royal Courts…
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Adapt or Die: How Mardi Gras Narrowly Avoided Being Outlawed
No one does Mardi Gras like New Orleans. We’re known worldwide for our lavish displays of excess in the parades, costumes, and parties that abound during Carnival season. King Cake parties and days of eating gumbo with family give way to the final spectacle of Fat Tuesday when Zulu and Rex rule the day and…
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Carnival Traditions Around the World: Part 2
Carnival Around the World Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Though it now boasts one of the most vibrant Mardi Gras parties in the world, Brazil did not always celebrate this way. Dating back to 1723, Carnival was brought to Rio de Janeiro by the Portuguese. Their way of celebrating meant groups of men taking to…
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Carnival Traditions Around the World: Part 1
Carnival Traditions Around the World: Part 1 While perhaps the epicenter, New Orleans is by no means the only place in the world to celebrate Mardi Gras. We are but one of many Mardi parties that take place across not only countries but continents. Varying from India to Germany, Canada to Belgium, carnival celebrations occur…
