Basics
What religious season does Mardi Gras precede?
Lent
Mardi Gras has been an official state holiday since 1875 in which state?
Louisiana
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
Jambalaya is most similar to what Spanish dish?
Paella
"Laissez les bon temps rouler" is a Mardi Gras saying. What does it mean?
What does Mardi Gras mean?
Fat Tuesday
What country's settlers brought Mardi Gras to the U.S.?
France
Which famous New Orleans neighborhood is popular to visit during Mardi Gras?
The French Quarter
What seafood is gumbo traditionally made with?
Shrimp/Prawns
True or False: You have to wear a mask if you are on a float.
True!
What are usually thrown from parade floats during Mardi Gras celebrations in the US.?
Beads
What ancient empire first celebrated the coming of Spring, which would eventually be adapted into Mardi Gras?
Roman Empire
The Mardi Gras colors were chosen in 1872. What does the color gold represent?
Power
Traditionally, what is put inside of the King's Cake?
A small, plastic baby
What are the names of the New Orleans organizations that throw private balls and organize floats?
Krewes
What color represents justice?
Purple
Which U.S. state was the first to celebrate Mardi Gras in 1703?
Alabama
Bourbon Street
What music genre is a part of New Orleans Culture?
Jazz music
On average, how many people typically visit New Orleans for Mardi Gras every year?
1.4 million
What are the colors of Mardi Gras?
Purple, green, gold (yellow)
Though it didn't stop the Mardi Gras celebrations, this US amendment passed in 1920 made alcohol consumption tricky.
Prohibition
What day kicks off carnival celebrations each year?
The Epiphany (Three Kings Day)
Mardi Gras is the last day of the festival of Carnival, or Carnaval. What does Carnaval mean?
"Farewell to the flesh"
A man dressed as whom was credited with popularizing throwing beads during Mardi Gras?
Santa Claus