Mardi Gras came to New Orleans in 1699.
Throughout the years, Orleanians established krewes
which host parades and balls. The first krewe
was the "Mystick Krewe of Comus", which began in 1857.
Mardi Gras means Fat Tuesday and is
celebrated on that day of the week.
The name Fat Tuesday comes from the custom
of parading a fat ox through the streets of Paris on Strove
Tuesday. Strove Tuesday and Mardi Gras both precede Ash
Wednesday. The date is determined by the Catholic Church.
In 1872, Rex, the King of
Carnival chose
purple, green, and gold as the official colors of Mardi Gras.
Mardi Gras season begins about
two weeks before Fat Tuesday.
People come from all over the world to enjoy the
greatest free show on earth.
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