Mardi Gras

History

100

Where does the name "Mardi Gras" come from/mean?

"Mardi Gras" is French for "Fat Tuesday", and gets its name because it marks the start of Lent, a period of fasting, and during its origins was the last day to "feast"

200

Since what century (or year) has Mardi Gras been celebrated in the USA?

18th century / 1700s in New Orleans

300

Who brought Mardi Gras to the USA in New Orleans?

French-Canadian explorer Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville 

400

Where does Mardi Gras trace its origins to?

Medieval Europe

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Mardi Gras originally began in the Middle Ages, when Christianity combined its pre-Lent preparation with a Pagan spring celebration. 

500

What preceded current Mardi Gras krewes (organizations that stage Mardi Gras)?

Secret Societies, specifically the "Masque de la Mobile" and "Boeuf Gras Society"

Traditions

100

What are the colors traditionally associated with Mardi Gras?

Purple, Green & Gold

200

What is Mardi Gras known for?

Parades, Floats, and throwing beads

300

What do the Mardi Gras colors represent?

Justice, Faith & Power

400

True or False: The Kingcake is an American addition to Mardi Gras celebrations.

False

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The Kingcake is believed to have originated in France around the 12th century (1100s) in celebration of the Three Kings and baby Jesus, and was brought to America with the celebration of Mardi Gras by the French.

500

True or False: Mardi Gras is a legal holiday in each state in the USA.

False

-

Mardi Gras is only a legal holiday in Louisiana.

New Orleans

100

New Orleans is a diverse melting pot of cultures! What are some of the cultures that have great influence on the area?

French, Spanish, Creole, Haitian, Cajun, Irish, Sicilian/Italian and more!

200

New Orleans is famous for its above-ground cemeteries - this one is the oldest of its kind in the USA, and was established in 1789!

What is the St. Louis Cemetery (No. 1)?

300

Famous for its vibrant nightlife and colorful buildings with cast-iron balconies, this neighborhood is the oldest in New Orleans, having been founded in 1718.

What is the French Quarter?

400

What neighborhood (district) is home to many grand historic mansions, ancient oak trees, the famous Lafayette Cemetery, and the lavish gardens of St. Charles Avenue?

What is the Garden District?

500

New Orleans was originally founded by the French. What country took possession of it via the Treaty of Paris in 1763?

Spain

Food

100

This hearty stew that features a dark roux, andouille sausage, seafood, and creole spices is a savory New Orleans staple

What is Gumbo?

200

This savory dish resembles paella, and consists of rice, andouille sausage, shrimp, spices and more

What is Jambalaya?

300

This French version of a doughnut is popularly sold at the famous Café du Monde in New Orleans, and is cut into squares, deep-fried, and generously sprinkled with powdered sugar.

What are Beignets?

400

Created in 1951 at a restaurant in the French Quarter, this popular dessert features a flambéed banana in a buttery rum sauce served over vanilla ice cream.

What is Bananas Foster?

500

This tasty sandwich, created by Sicilian immigrant Salvatore Lupo in 1906 in New Orleans, is made of Italian deli meats and cheesed layered between an olive spread on Italian bread.

What is a Muffuletta Sandwich?

Music

100

What genres of music is New Orleans famous for and most associated with?

What are Jazz, Rhythm & Blues, and Gospel?

200

New Orleans is also known as the city of what?

The "City of Music"!

300

What world-renowned, famous Jazz musician was born on August 4, 1901 in New Orleans, Louisiana?

Who is Louis Armstrong?

400

Born in 1890 in New Orleans, this Jazz and Blues pianist with a "sweet" name, was of Creole descent and considered to be Jazz music's first composer.

Who is Jelly Roll Morton?

500

This historic music venue in the French Quarter became one of the city's first venues to hold Jazz concerts in 1961, and going inside feels like stepping back in time!

What is Preservation Hall?