History
In which U.S. city was the first recorded Mardi Gras celebration held?
Mobile, Alabama
Which city is most famous for its elaborate Mardi Gras celebrations in the United States?
New Orleans, Louisiana
This is the English translation of the French phrase Mardi Gras
What is Fat Tuesday? This pre-Lenten holiday is marked by feasting on rich foods.
The official colors of Mardi Gras are this trio
What are green, gold, and purple? Symbolically, green means faith, gold power, and purple justice.
This iconic New Orleans street is known for its jazz clubs and vibrant nightlife.
What is Bourbon Street? Part of the French Quarter, Bourbon Street is a year-round favorite for good food, good fun, and good music.
What does "Mardi Gras" translate to in English?
Fat Tuesday
Mardi Gras marks the last day before which Christian season begins?
Lent
Mardi Gras is always celebrated on this day of the week.
What is Tuesday? The date changes annually, but it is always the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday
Early Mardi Gras revelers wore these to hide their identity
What are masks? Still part of celebrations today, they originally served to break social norms and boundaries, allowing rich and poor to revel equally
New Orleans’ famous zoo is located in this large park.
What is Audubon Park? You might be able to guess that the park’s namesake is John James Audubon, the renowned naturalist known for his bird paintings.
The custom of tossing trinkets ("throws") from Mardi Gras floats began in which century?
The 19th century (1800s)
What are the traditional Mardi Gras colors, and what does each color symbolize?
Purple (justice), green (faith), and gold (power)
These wearable trinkets are sometimes thrown from Mardi Gras floats to parade-goers.
What are beads/beaded necklaces? The trinkets thrown are unique to each krewe (social groups that organize the festivities).
These are worn by Mardi Gras royalty.
What are crowns? Each parade has a king or queen, representing that parade‘s krewe as the festive leader.
This type of music was born in New Orleans and is closely associated with the city
What is jazz? New Orleans, home to legends like Louis Armstrong, is called the “birthplace of jazz.”
What famous phrase, often heard at Mardi Gras, means "let the good times roll"?
Laissez les bons temps rouler
What are the social organizations that put on parades and balls during Mardi Gras called?
Krewes
Mardi Gras marks the end of this season in New Orleans
What is Carnival Season? This season begins on Twelfth Night (January 6) and ends with Mardi Gras.
These social groups are the organizers of Mardi Gras parades, balls, and other events
What are krewes? Pronounced crew, many of these groups are over 100 years old, and each has unique traditions.
This river runs alongside New Orleans
What is the Mississippi? Proximity to this large, bustling river has been vital to the city’s trade, history, and culture for hundreds of years.
In what year did New Orleans hold its first official Mardi Gras parade?
1837
What small object is traditionally hidden inside a King Cake?
A plastic baby (representing baby Jesus)
This is the official slogan of Mardi Gras, often heard during celebrations.
What is Laissez le bons temps rouler? The phrase means “Let the good times roll” and encapsulates the Mardi Gras spirit.
This type of large gold coin is often thrown from parade floats, representing prosperity
What are doubloons? The tradition started with the Krewe of Rex in 1960, and collectors prize the unique tokens.
This famed church sits at the heart of Jackson Square.
What is St. Louis Cathedral? Notably, it is one of the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic cathedrals in the nation