Mardi Gras History, Traditions and Safety Tips

Mardi Gras was originally a Pagan celebration. When Pagans started converting to Christianity, so did some of their traditions. Mardi Gras, means "Fat Tuesday", and is celebrated between February 3 and March 9. The actually day that Mardi Gras falls on changes from year to year depending on the Lunar calendar. Mardi Gras however, always falls 47 days before Easter.

Even though Mardi Gras is celebrated throughout the world, it was brought to New Orleans through its French heritage in 1699. On March 3, 1699 the first American Mardi Gras to place. There are several Mardi Gras celebrations throughout the United States, in fact almost every large city has some sort of celebration. But, if you where to ask anyone in the US where Mardi Gras takes place, their answer would be New Orleans.

Mardi Gras has three official colors which include purple, green, and gold. These three colors not only marry together for a festive color combination, but also have meanings behind them. Purple represents justice, the color green stands for faith, and gold stands for power. In the early 1800s trinkets were tossed to the crowds, starting a life long tradition. Today adults of all ages flock to Mardi Gras celebrations, for the beads that are tossed amongst the crowd.

With New Orleans not only having the first American Mardi Gras celebration, but still holding the record for most popular in the United States, it is no wonder that tourist from all over the world visit. Although there is no age limit on who can or cannot attend Mardi Gras, it is strongly advised that children, and the elderly do not attend the parade. It's not fair to say "one bad apple can soil it for the rest", at least not when you have hundreds of bad apples. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that all the residence of New Orleans are bad, in fact it's like any large city, there is great people, life long criminals, and everything between. However, when you toss in thousands of tourist, and tons of alcohol in the mix, Mardi Gras in New Orleans gets a little wild, and dangerous.

The police in New Orleans are a little laid back during Mardi Gras. After all, there is no way that all the laws can be enforced with a crowd so large. None the less, there are still laws that should be obeyed. Laws such as no public intoxication are not stickily enforced. In fact some tourist are not even aware that it's against the law to be drunk at Mardi Gras. Local law enforcement does try to enforce indecent exposer laws, meaning ladies keep your shirts on. But, once again it's some what of a tradition (flashing your breast for beads) that hundreds of women do. Even with the local police department relaxing some of the laws for one night, many people will find themselves going to jail. In order to keep yourself out of jail, and out of trouble, know your drinking limit, and know when to stop. This way you will not end up climbing a lamp post naked, and drunk.

New Orleans has so much more to offer then just Mardi Gras. But if you plan to visit, or to join in the Mardi Gras celebration there are a few things you need to know. First off, stay in the French Quarter! This means you'll have to pay a little more for your hotel stay, but it's worth it. Do not go outside the French Quarter especially at night. Carry your money in your front pocket. Do not carry a purse, or put a wallet in your back pocket at any time. Pick pocket's, and purse snatchers are everywhere. Mardi Gras takes place on Bourbon Street, make sure you know your route back to your room. Do not walk alone at anytime. If your destination is more then a quarter of a mile away, then take a cab. Do not trust anyone! Celebrations like Mardi Gras draws criminals from all over. Just think about it. Almost everyone is drunk, no one is paying attention, and everyone is bumping into one another, it's a pick pocket's dream.

Regardless of where you plan to attend a Mardi Gras celebration you should take certain measures to protect yourself, and to ensure that you will have a wonderful time. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.
1. Know your limit, and when to stop drinking.
2. Respect others and their property.
3. Avoid aggressive crowds of people.
4. Tolerate others that have had a little to much to drink.
5. Do not drive home if you have been drinking.

From large city parades, to small pub parties, there is ways for everyone to join in the fun of a Mardi Gras celebration. If by chance your city does not have any celebrations for you to attend, or any that are right for your family, you might consider having a small Mardi Gras party at home. The options are endless, but the rules stay the same. Have fun, stay safe, and enjoy!

Sources:
http://www.holidays.net/mardigras/story.htm
http://www.novareinna.com/festive/mardi.html