Mardi Gras Trivia
What day comes after Mardi Gras?
Ash Wednesday
A man dressed as whom was credited with popularizing throwing beads during Mardi Gras?
Santa Claus
What day kicks off carnival celebrations each year?
The Epiphany (Three Kings Day)
If you get the baby in your slice of king cake at a Mardi Gras party, you traditionally have to what?
Buy next year’s cake or host next year’s party
Why do people celebrate Mardi Gras with feasting and partying?
To indulge before the fasting season of Lent begins
Where was the first known carnival celebration?
Nice, France
How many pounds of beads are thrown during an average New Orleans Mardi Gras celebration?
25 million
“Carnival” comes from the Latin phrase “carne vale,” which means what?
“Farewell to meat”
What does “Mardi Gras” translate to in English?
Fat Tuesday
If you attend a Mardi Gras ball, what type of attire is typically required?
Formal wear, often including masks
What is the signature Mardi Gras dessert?
King cake
What time does New Orleans law require masks to be removed on Mardi Gras?
6 p.m.
Which Italian city is famous for its carnival celebrations?
Venice
Why are beads a popular part of Mardi Gras celebrations?
They are thrown from floats as part of the parades and symbolize good fortune
What is the name of the Mardi Gras tradition involving tossing coins?
Doubloons
What is traditionally hidden inside a king cake?
A plastic baby
What does purple signify during Mardi Gras?
Justice
King cake is typically made with what sort of dough?
Brioche
What is the name of the New Orleans neighborhood famous for its Mardi Gras festivities?
The French Quarter
In which month does Mardi Gras typically take place?
February or early March
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, when was the most recent cancellation of New Orleans’ Mardi Gras parades?
1945
Mardi Gras beads used to be made of what material?
Glass
The success of a Mardi Gras parade is measured in what?
Trash
With what type of music is Mardi Gras most associated?
Jazz
What is the name of the famous street in New Orleans known for its Mardi Gras parties?
Bourbon Street