Let the Good Times Roll
This is the English translation of the French phrase Mardi Gras.
Fat Tuesday
The pre-Lenten holiday is marked by feasting on rich foods.
The official colors of Mardi Gras are this trio
Green , Gold , and purple
Green means faith , Gold means power and Purple means Justice
The iconic New Orleans street is known for its jazz clubs and vibrant nightlife
Bourbon Street , Part of the French Quarter, Bourbon Street is a year- round favorite for good food , good fun , and good music
This small token is baked inside traditional kind cakes
The Baby figurine , whoever gets the slice with the baby wins good luck and must host the next party .
Made from this material, Trumpets are often heard leading Mardi Gras parades in the city.
Brass , Trumpets are part of the signature sound of jazz music
The wearable trinkets are sometimes thrown from Mardi Gras floats to parade-goers.
Beads/Beaded necklaces
The trinkets thrown are unique to each krewe (social groups that organize the festivities).
Early Mardi Gras revelers wore these to hide their identity.
Mash , still are part of the celebrations today , they originally served to break social norms and boundaries , allowing rich and poor to revel equally.
This type of music was born in New Orleans and is closely associated with the city.
Jazz , New Orleans , home to legends like Louis Armstrong , is called the " Birthplace of Jazz".
These are deep-fried , donut-like treats served with a powdered sugar dusting , a Nola favorite.
Yummy Beignets , these are popularized by the Cafe du Monde
The NOLA music legend was know by the nickname " Satchmo".
Louis Armstrong - the nickname was short for " Satchel Mouth" and celebrated his unique skill and style trumpeting.
Mardi Gras marks the end of the season in New Orleans.
Carnival season
These are worn by Mardi Gras Royalty.
Crowns , each parade has a king or queen , representing that parade's krewe as the festive leader
This river runs alongside New Orleans
The Mississippi River , Proximity to this large , bustling river has been vital to the city's trade , history and culture for hundred of years.
This Creole dish is a spicy treat made with stewed sausage , chicken , or shrimp cooked with rice
Jambalaya With French , Spanish and African American influences , the dish represents New Orleans heritage
The marching groups often seen (and heard) accompanying floats and parades during Mardi Gras.
Brass Bands
Uniquely, many of the bands improvise the tunes they play as they are marching, lending a festive tone to their music
This is the official slogan of Mardi Gras, often heard during celebrations.
Laissez le bons temps rouler, " Let the good times roll " and encapsulates the Mardi Gras spirit.
These social groups are the organizers of Mardi Gras parades, ball and other events
Pronounced Crew , many of these groups are over 100 years old , and each has unique traditions
This famed church sits at the heart of Jackson Square
St. Louis Cathedral , is one of the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic cathedrals in the nation.
The New Orleans seafood stew is cooked with thick roux base, okra , or File powder as a thickener
Gumbo , Although similar to jambalaya, gumbo is cooked separately from the rice and relies on other thickening agents.
A local festival each spring celebrates this genre of music.
Jazz
Jazz Fest , or the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival , attracts fans and musicians from around the globe.
Mardi Gras is always celebrated on this day of the week.
Tuesday , the date changed annually, but is always the Tuesdays before ash Wednesday.
The type of large gold coin is often thrown from parade floats, representing prosperity.
Doubloons
The tradition started with the Krewe of Rex in 1960 , and collectors prize the unique tokens.
New Orleans' Famous zoo is located in this large park.
Audubon Park - You might be able to guess that the park's namesake is John James Audubon, the renowned naturalist know for his bird paintings.
These sandwiches, often featuring fried shrimp and served on long loaves of French bread, are a New Orleans Staple.
Po'boys, The origins are sometimes debated, but they are believed to have originated during streetcar strike.
The lively and unique Louisiana music genre blends French, Creole, and blues and features instruments like the washboard and accordion.
Zydeco
The name comes from a French expression for hard times , les haricots ne sont pas sales (" the beans aren't salty")