Traditions
These are typically worn by carnival goers, and have become recognizable decorations related to the celebration
Masks
The settlers of which country of origin brought Mardi Gras to the US
France
A traditional cake dessert made especially for Mardi Gras
What is a King's Cake?
Mardi Gras is celebrated on the Tuesday before the start of what religious season?
Lent
What city, famous for this, holds the largest Mardi Gras celebration in the US?
New Orleans
What does "Mardi Gras" mean, in English?
Fat Tuesday
New Orleans is in what US state?
Louisiana
What the outcome of having the piece of King's cake with Baby Jesus in it?
You have luck & prosperity, and you have to make/buy next year's cake! An you're the king / queen for the day.
What year was Mardi Gras first celebrated in the US? - 1703 - 1803 - 1903
1703
In 1703 the first Mardi Gras was celebrated at the small settlement of Fort Louis de la Mobile.
A savory Cajun dish of rice and meat, cooked with vegetables, stock, and spices
What is Jambalaya?
What religious "special day" starts the day after Mardi Gras?
Ash Wednesday
What is Mardi Gras called in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Canada?
Shrove Tuesday
Which city and state has a legitimate rivalry for claiming to be the first Mardi Gras in the US? (Hint: they did in fact have the first parade!)
Mobile, Alabama
What music genre is a part of New Orleans culture?
Jazz
These items are thrown from parade floats
Beads & gold doubloons
When was the first New Orleans Mardi Gras parade?
- 1777 - 1837 - 1897
1837
A deep-fried pastry made from yeast dough and covered in powdered sugar
What is a beignet?
What is the supposed historical reason for celebrating Mardi Gras?
To finish the food before the start of Lent!
The largest Mardi Gras celebration in the world is held where?
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
What is Madame J's full name? Spell her last name. Bonus: spell her last name in perfect French for an additional 100 points!
Mrs. Sue Jaster
On average, about how many people visit New Orleans for Mardi Gras each year?
1.4 Million!
This item is put inside of the King cake
A plastic baby
Mardi Gras became a legal holiday in New Orleans in what year?
- 1850 -1900 -1875
1875
A Creole or Cajun stew consisting of stock, meat or shellfish, celery, bell peppers, and onions, and a thickener
What is Gumbo?
Mardi Gras is a combination of Christian observance and the pagan holidays from what ancient culture?
Rome
What is the name of the Brazilian celebration of Mardi Gras?
Carnival
The reason Acadians were kicked out of Canada (Nova Scotia, Canada)
What is their refused to swear allegiance to the British who were in power. They didn't want to fight for the British, nor the French. They wanted to stay neutral.
What kind of food is New Orleans known for?
Cajun food
Why did people traditionally wear masks during Mardi Gras?
to remove any class barriers (high-class / low-class), remove judgment, hide their identity
Describe how the Covid-19 pandemic affected Mardi Gras.
They wouldn't dream of not celebrating in some way. So instead, they happily agreed to decorate their houses instead of floats. It was a remarkable event that truly continued to unify the community!
This classic southern dish consists of ground corn with milk and butter and a topping of fresh crustacean seafood
What is Shrimp and Grits?
Why is the cake called King's cake, and what's inside ?
The kings (magi) who brought gifts to Baby Jesus. Baby Jesus (or an almond or bean rep) is inside the cake.
Can you name some other states that host Mardi Gras celebrations?
Florida (Pensacola), Texas (Galveston), Mississippi (Natchez)
What do the colors purple, green, and gold represent in that order?
Purple - Justice
Gold - Power
Green - Faith
Mardi Gras celebrations are centered around what famous neighborhood in New Orleans?
Bonus: Extra 100 pts if you can name one of the 4 main streets. 200 pts if you can name a second!
Extra 100 if you remember the name for "road" in French!
The French Quarter
Rue St. Charles
Rue Canal
Rue Bourbon
Rue Royal