10 Fun Facts About Mardi Gras And Its History

Before Fat Tuesday arrives, brush up on the holiday's interesting history and some fun trivia. Most people already know the big Mardi Gras celebration occurs on Fat Tuesday each year (which is always 47 days before Easter and one day before Ash Wednesday, if you're looking to impress people with your knowledge). It's a chance to get in one last night of revelry before the period of penance we call Lent. But there are a lot of lesser-known, fun facts about Mardi Gras you may be interested to learn. Read on to find out more and become an expert on Carnival season.

1. Mobile Is The Birthplace Of Mardi Gras.

First things first: The beloved tradition was actually born in Mobile, Alabama, though many associate it with New Orleans. Mobile first celebrated Mardi Gras in 1703, with the party really heating up in 1831. Mardi Gras is still a huge event in Mobile, with dozens of balls and parades every year.

2. Mardi Gras' Purple, Green, And Gold Colors Have Special Meaning.

On Fat Tuesday, there are displays of purple, green, and gold in every direction you look. What's the story behind this trio of colors, though? Like most things Mardi Gras, the tradition has historic roots. The Rex organization in New Orleans first proclaimed purple, green, and gold the official Mardi Gras parade colors in 1872, according to Mardi Gras New Orleans. In 1892, the organization declared that purple represents justice, green represents faith, and gold represents power. This symbolism has been with us ever since.

3. There's A Reason The Cherished Mardi Gras Confection Is Called "King Cake."

King Cake didn't get its name fortuitously. The name "King Cake" was inspired by the Bible story about Three Wise Men, who traveled with gifts for Baby Jesus on the Twelfth Night. Traditionally, the cake is first served on King's Day, January 6th, and continues being served up until the eve of Mardi Gras "to celebrate the coming of the three kings, as well as to honor them with a sweet homage to their jeweled crowns."

4. Mardi Gras Has A King.

Forget the grand marshal—each year the Rex Organization chooses a King of Carnival for their parade. Other krewes also choose kings, but Rex is considered the Carnival king because of the organization's long history in shaping Mardi Gras traditions. On the day of Mardi Gras, the mayor of New Orleans traditionally hands the key to the city to Rex.

5. 'Super Gras' Was NOLA's Hottest Event Of 2013.

Ring a bell? In 2013, the Crescent City hosted Super Bowl XLVII along with its annual Mardi Gras parades, resulting in the catchily-named "Super Gras." To keep utter mayhem from breaking out, there were no parades on February 3, when the San Francisco 49ers battled the Baltimore Ravens.

6. Parade Floats Began In The 1800s.

The famous, elaborate floats from Mardi Gras festivities actually date back to 1857, according to Mardi Gras New Orleans. Though 1857 marked the first time these colorful floats were a part of the New Orleans Mardi Gras parades, street processions were already a tradition. In the 1830s, maskers, carriages, and horses were parading through the streets led by celebrants carrying gas-lit torches, Mardi Gras New Orleans explains.

7. Float Riders Must Wear A Mask By Law.

Float riders must wear masks according to law and tradition. In the olden days, wearing a mask during a ball or street parade allowed you to associate with anyone—even those outside your class—but today it's all about keeping an air of mystery. Many Mardi Gras krewes still keep the identity of their king or queen a secret, according to NewOrleans.com.

8. Corporations Don't Participate In The Parade.

We've all witnessed at least one hometown Fourth of July parade that included trucks, floats, and signs plastered with the logos of area businesses. But this is forbidden by New Orleans city ordinance. Since Mardi Gras floats cannot be commercialized, expenses are primarily paid by krewes and float riders.

9. Coconuts Are A Prize Catch.

The crowd traditionally shouts "throw me something, mister," at floats in the hopes of catching a few beads. But float riders may toss out all sorts of trinkets, like medallions, cups, and even hand-decorated shoes. The coconuts handed out during the Zulu parade are considered a real prize (note we said "handed out," as the Zulu krewe says tossing them is too dangerous).

10. Mardi Gras Is A State Holiday.

Mardi Gras is an official state holiday in Louisiana and has been since 1875. It's a good thing, because no one's going to get much work done on Fat Tuesday. New Orleans may have the biggest celebration and draw the most visitors, but most communities hold a parade or some kind of party.

As they say, let the good times roll, or laissez les bons temps rouler (which, by the way, is a Cajun-French expression that's not used in France.)