
'The unique culture': What to know about Mardi Gras and the celebration in New Orleans
It's a phrase often said during Mardi Gras celebrations as revelers enjoy the vibrant colors and the laughter of loved ones surrounding them, said Adrienne Webber, dean of the Digital Library and Learning Commons at Grambling State University in Louisiana.
Webber, a New Orleans native, said Mardi Gras isn't just a party but a cultural celebration in Louisiana. Mardi Gras allows people to celebrate before the Lenten season, where people become more disciplined and give up habits for 40 days.
'It's a pre-Lent party to go into something that is very sacred to many people,' she told USA TODAY. 'It's a time to rejoice. It's a time to express yourself.'
Here's the rundown on Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, and how it came to be.
March 2025 holiday schedule:Mardi Gras, Daylight saving time, St. Patrick's Day, more
How did Mardi Gras begin?
Many people mistakenly believe that Mardi Gras is just one day, said Christy Garrison-Harrison, an assistant professor of history and women, gender, and sexuality studies at Southern University and A&M College.
But Mardi Gras is an entire season, often called Carnival. It begins 12 days after Christmas on Jan. 6 and lasts until Fat Tuesday, or the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.
Mardi Gras began in medieval Europe, starting in Rome and making its way to France, she told USA TODAY. The tradition then made its way through the colonies, and around 1699, French Canadians arrived in what is now Mobile, Alabama, Garrison-Harrison said.
Back then, people celebrated 'Boeuf Gras,' meaning 'fatted calf.' It's a time for people to enjoy things such as fatty foods, sugar, alcohol and other items considered 'decadent.' They'd give themselves until the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, or what is often called Fat Tuesday, to indulge.
'In the early colony days, an actual calf or an animal would be rolled down the street or paraded in the community to signify, 'This is what we're giving up. We're going to sacrifice this calf or this bull or this animal, and we're going to feast,'' she said.
This period was also known as a time of 'extreme fasting,' said Sarah McDonald, a spokesperson for the Archdiocese of New Orleans.
'People were encouraged to use up butter, oil, and meat products to not have them on hand because they could not be eaten during Lent – hence Fat Tuesday got its name,' she told USA TODAY.
Records show that around the 1730s, some wealthy families held balls for Mardi Gras. According to Garrison-Harrison, the celebrations were being documented in newspapers by the 1780s.
Krewes, parades, and souvenirs
Mardi Gras celebrations feature parades that kick off as early as January, while the largest parades happen on Fat Tuesday, according to Webber from Grambling State.
Webber said that groups, called krewes, organize parades and distribute beads featuring characters such as kings and witch doctors. Krewes also host masquerade balls, which include kings and queens.
Krewes also hand out signature items specific to their group, such as themed coconuts that are brightly decorated with glitter and paint, chalices, and shoes, said Webber.
'Everybody wants to get a coconut,' she said. 'It is very much so one of the most sought-after Mardi Gras souvenirs.'
Which food is considered unique to Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras is not complete without a sugary, sweet and colorful king cake. Originally part of a Christian tradition, king cakes celebrate the arrival of the Three Wise Men in Bethlehem, also known as Epiphany.
Over time, the king cake has taken many forms. The classic French version, the galette des rois, is a puff pastry cake usually filled with frangipane—a sweet cream made from almonds, butter, sugar, and eggs. Today, the modern New Orleans-style king cakes are shaped like rings and covered in purple, yellow and green sugar. In both versions, small charms, usually plastic baby figurines that represent Jesus, are hidden somewhere in the cake, and the person who finds the charm will have good luck and the task of bringing a king cake to the next party.
Contributors: Rachel Taylor
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Indianapolis Star
5 days ago
- Indianapolis Star
Your summer wardrobe deserves a cute beach hat! Shop Amazon's top-rated styles on sale 👒
Come summer, beach hats are almost as essential as a water bottle or handheld fan; they keep you cool, and you never want to leave the house without one. And in anticipation of what's likely to be one of summer's busiest beach weekends (à la the Fourth of July), Amazon just debuted new markdowns on many of its best-selling beach hats and sun hats. From classic straw beach hats to sporty visors and packable sun hats that are easy to take on the go, Amazon has no shortage of stylish beach accessories on sale this week—and all with 4.5 or more Amazon stars, so you know you're shopping a truly great product. Whether your holiday weekend plans involve a sand volleyball match, a dip in the ocean or just a day spent lounging poolside, you can conquer the 4th of July in style with these early Prime Day deals on the most popular Amazon beach hats. MORE: Limited-time 4th of July steals: Save on Amazon's most-loved beach bags MORE: We found the perfect Coleman beach chair for summer—and it's 37% off ahead of Prime Day ⛱️ Amazon Prime Day 2025 begins on Tuesday, July 8 and will end on Friday, July 11. USA TODAY Shopping will be covering all the savings throughout Prime Day 2025, so be sure tosign up for text alerts,sign up for our newsletter andfollow us on Instagram to stay updated! In order to access most deals, you'll want to be an Amazon Prime member. The July Prime Day sale has tons of special Prime-exclusive discounts on select products that can help members save more than anyone else. Plus, joining Prime helps guarantee you get other perks like fast shipping all year long, access to Prime Video, Prime Reading, Prime Gaming and more.


USA Today
6 days ago
- USA Today
July 2025 calendar: Independence Day and other dates to remember this month
July is all about pool parties, BBQs, and fireworks, but here's what else you can expect from the month and holidays it has in store. July kicks off with a long weekend thanks to Independence Day, which falls on Friday, July 4. The federal holiday will give some people a nice break only weeks after Juneteenth, which fell on Thursday, June 19th. While there is a long weekend, there aren't as many holidays in the month as there were in April and May. Here's everything you need to know about what July has in store. Are there any federal holidays in July? Yes! Independence Day is observed on Thursday, July 4, this year, and is considered a federal holiday. In total, 2025 has 12 federal holidays across 11 days, according to the Office of Personnel Management. The next one, Labor Day, will fall on Monday, September 1. July 4th celebrations in the US There will be no shortage of celebrations across the U.S. on July 4th for Independence Day. Here are just a few. Cool down fast: Up to 70% off personal and portable AC deals ahead of Prime Day What religious holidays are in July? There are multiple religious holidays in July. The following are some of the holidays and traditional celebrations throughout the month, according to Diversity Resources: Other significant dates Here are some more significant dates and anniversaries in July: Unique days in July The following are some of the more unique and odd days celebrated throughout the month of July, according to the National Day Calendar: Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. Connect with her on LinkedIn,X, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@


USA Today
27-06-2025
- USA Today
David Beckham pictured in hospital by Victoria Beckham: 'Get well soon daddy'
David Beckham is recovering after a surprising health scare. The former professional soccer player was photographed by wife Victoria Beckham with his right arm in a blue sling while lying in a hospital bed on the Spice Girls alum's Instagram story on Friday, June 27. The "Beckham" star was seemingly recovering from an injury in the snap. The British fashion designer captioned the photos, "Get well soon daddy" with a heart emoji. A fashion icon in his own right, the UNICEF global ambassador was pictured in a hospital gown as he sported a soft smile in his wife's picture. Beckham also shared another photo of her husband wearing a beaded friendship bracelet that spelled out "Get well soon." USA TODAY has reached out to the Beckhams' reps for comment. David Beckham to receive knighthood from King Charles III Earlier this month, the official British public record The Gazette announced the Inter Miami CF coowner would be knighted by King Charles III. Beckham, arguably the most famous athlete in England's history, finally earned his country's highest honor after years of near misses despite his legendary soccer career and extensive charity work with UNICEF. "I've heard people in the media talk about it's something that I really, really want, and of course, it would be an unbelievable honor," Beckham said in a recent interview with Time magazine. "If it happens at some point, amazing. If it doesn't, there's nothing I can do about it." In a heartfelt Instagram post June 14, Posh Spice praised her husband for his knighthood, one of the highest British honors to notable citizens. "You've always been my knight in shining armour, but now it's official. Sir @davidbeckham!!! What an honour, I couldn't be prouder of you," she wrote. "Your dedication to the things that matter most — your country, your work, your passion, and most of all, your family — has never wavered." She concluded the caption, "The way you've touched so many lives over the years with kindness and humility speaks volumes about the man you are and continues to inspire us everyday. But above all else, I'm so, so proud to call you mine. I love you so much xxxx." Contributing: Safid Deen