Let your hair down and celebrate
Every year, thousands of people from around the world come to New Orleans for one thing: Mardi Gras! It’s a time when they can let their hair down and celebrate what makes them unique. But how did this colorful tradition start? We’ve done some research so you don’t have to spend your evenings bored with facts (we know that could never happen). Here are things most non-Frenchmen won’t be able to tell ya’ll…
Mardi Gras is the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday
Mardi Gras is the last hurrah of sorts, with participants indulging in their favorite fatty foods and drinks before giving them up. The tradition dates back to Catholic Church leaders who wanted people to stop eating meat. Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of Lenten fasting 40 days leading up to Easter Sunday
Masks are required by law for float riders
It is illegal to ride a float without wearing protection! The original purpose of the mask was so people could mingle with whomever they chose.
Mardi Gras is a state holiday in some places
Fat Tuesday is an official state holiday in Alabama, Florida, and parts of Louisiana. Although, the streets of Galveston are filled with people celebrating Fat Tuesday, which is not a state holiday in Texas but one of its biggest celebrations!
Who put the baby in the cake?
King cake has a plastic baby inside. Whoever finds the baby in their slice of cake has good luck and must bring the king cake to next year’s celebration.
Party on, Mardi Gras
New Orleans has only canceled 13 Mardi Gras parades since their inception, usually due to wars.The two most recent Mardi Gras parade cancellations have been 1945 (due to World War II) and 2021 (due to the Coronavirus pandemic).
Yolo Rum Mardi Gras Cocktail
This New Orleans Hurricane Drink Recipe is an authentic, refreshing drink that will take you back to the French Quarter during your first sip. Created in 1948 by revolutionary bartender Rochele Hébert for Mardi Gras celebrations and parties – this powerful tropical cocktail had three ingredients: rum mixed with passion fruit syrup and lemon juice! Here’s a recipe that could already be in your fridge at home.
Ingredients:
- 4 oz Yolo Rum Gold
- 2 cups pineapple juice
- 2 cups orange juice
- 4 maraschino cherries, plus 1/2 cup juice
- 1/2 orange, cut into 4 slices
Instructions:
In a pitcher, stir together the pineapple juice, orange juice, cherry juice, and Yolo Rum. Fill a tall glass with ice, pour over the juice mixture, garnish with a cherry, a slice of orange and serve in hurricane glass to be festive.
