10 Things Most People Don’t Know About Mardi Gras

HERE ARE 10 THINGS A LOT OF PEOPLE DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT MARDI GRAS

Tourists visiting Lousiana during Mardi Gras will get exactly what they came for; great music, throws, and food. Ironically, no two events are the same from city to city. There are of few things about the iconic Louisiana tradition

1.)  Mardi Gras Parade Family & Kid Zones
There are many family-friendly activities and Mardi Gras parades. New Orleans has a few favorite family parade-watching spots, including St. Charles and Napoleon Streets. In Lake Charles, there is an entire family-friendly Kids Zone.

This area is designated for families with small children and is alcohol—and smoke-free. It includes games, music, seating, free food and beverages. As you explore the state, you'll find that many Louisiana cities host family-friendly zones along parade routes during the annual Mardi Gras celebrations.

Mardi Gras. Two little words with an infinitely large explanation. For different people, it means different things — an event, an idea, a day, a way of life, a piece of history, a state holiday, a million parades, or countless memories. Do you know Mardi Gras? That it’s all about booze and beads? Think again!

2.) A Holiday Day Off From Work
Mardi Gras is a legal holiday in Louisiana, and has been since 1875, when Governor Warmoth signed the “Mardi Gras Act.” In 1875, Governor Warmoth signed the "Mardi Gras Act," making Fat Tuesday a legal holiday in Louisiana, which it still is. Like Comus and the Twelfth Night Revelers, most Mardi Gras krewes today developed from private social clubs with restrictive membership policies.

3.) Dogs And Farm Animals Get Their Own Mardi Gras Parade
Watch the royal court of pets at the Barkus and Meoux parade, which features a royal court of pets. Past parade participants have included turtles, donkeys, cats, dogs, goats, chickens and more! Dogs just want to have fun! And that’s what they get at their very own parades in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, the Louisiana Northshore, and more! These animal-dedicated parades show off the fun and revelry from our furriest of friends, and man, do they look cute. Start planning your dog's costume for the celebration.

4.) The Best Parades Don't Have To Be The Biggest Or Most Expensive.
You can’t get any smaller than ’tit Rex, known as “New Orleans’ first and only MicroKrewe.” This krewe, founded in 2009, features miniature floats made from shoeboxes and found objects. Carnival throws are handed out by Krewe members rather than tossed, since — in keeping with the theme of the parade — they are so tiny.

5.) You Got To Get a Creative 
Sure, you could say, “Throw me something, mister!” or you could stick your cute kid on your shoulders, but if you want to test your suitcases’ weight limit, head to the end of the parade. Effervescent float riders will shower you with a single goal: chuck all bags of beads off before they get off the float themselves.

6.) You Never Know What They’ll Throw

The Krewe of Tuck's riders is known for having outrageous floats, throws, and monogrammed sunglass. They giant toilet bowl float! The screaming crowds line the street begging for their bathroom-themed throws, including monogrammed toilet paper, sunglasses shaped like toilets, mini-plungers, and more. In Shreveport, we love the Krewe of Highland, who throw SPAM and hot dogs. Anyone can come home with beads. Only those "in the know" get miniature squirting toilets and dinner.

7.) Mardi Gras Celebrations Are Different Across Louisiana
When you hear “Mardi Gras,” most people think of New Orleans, but Mardi Gras is celebrated throughout the Bayou State. However, they are not all the same. North Louisiana combines fishing, hunting sports events, and animal parades, including donkeys, cows, dogs, and turtles. Central Louisiana, includes parades with go-karts, lighted parades, and classic car shows. South and Southwest Louisiana it's two weeks of parades, prayer breakfast, trail rides, and amazing traditional cuisine. See ExploreLouisiana.com for more details about the difference in

8.)  When Did Beads Start Being Thrown At Parades?
Legend has it, that the tradition started with the second procession of the Twelfth Night Revelers around the 1870s, with a person dressed like Santa passing out gifts. The Krewe of Rex started throwing Japanese mercury glass beads in the early 20th century and it wasn't long before other krewes followed suit.

Makes sense, seeing as, before that, krewes threw all kinds of stuff like dirt and food items! The 1960s and 1970s ushered in the plastic beads, toys, and cups we're used to seeing today.

9.) The Weight of Revelry
Think your suitcase is heavy? New Orleans city officials estimate there are upwards of 25 million pounds of Mardi Gras throws tossed from floats during the Carnival Season. Locals will either scoop up the thousands of beads and trash recycled beads for next year.

10.) The “Mystic Krewe Of Femme Fatale”
Founded in 2013, Mystic Femme Fatale was the first all-African-American female Mardi Gras Krewes. It was originally formed for African American women, however, all women from any background, race, or creed are welcome.

Back in the day women were allowed to participate in Mardi Gras parades, somewhat, but not allowed to join a Krewe. In true Girl Power spirit, would change in 1917. Tired of being shut out they formed their own, the Krew of Iris, which is the oldest all-female Krewe.