5 Fascinating Mardi Gras Traditions You (Probably) Didn’t Know

Step Back in Time: What Mardi Gras Parades Looked Like 50+ Years Ago
Before high-tech floats, massive krewes, and LED-lit spectacles, Mardi Gras parades had a charm all their own.

Imagine the streets of Louisiana filled with hand-painted floats, costumed revelers throwing beads made of glass (yes, glass!), and the warm glow of flambeaux lighting the night. Let’s take a step back in time and relive the magic of Mardi Gras as it was 50+ years ago.

1. HOMEMADE MARDI GRAS FLOATS & HANDCRAFTED MAGIC

Today’s towering, high-tech floats with music-blaring sound systems are impressive, but back in the day, many floats were hand-built by local krewes using chicken wire, papier-mâché, and a whole lot of Louisiana ingenuity.

Themes were often inspired by folklore, fairy tales, or even local inside jokes. And if you were lucky, you might have seen a float pulled by a good ol’ farm truck or even a mule!

2. HISTORY OF FLAMBEAUX: ORIGINAL MARDI GRAS KEEPERS OF THE LIGHT 

Long before neon lights illuminated the parade routes, flambeaux carriers—men wielding torches fueled by kerosene—lit the night and added a mesmerizing, flickering glow to the spectacle.

Originally used so spectators could see the parade at night, flambeaux dancers soon became part of the show, spinning and twirling their torches to the rhythm of brass bands.

3. THE ART OF MAKING MARDI GRAS GLASS BEADS & HISTORY OF UNIQUE THROWS

Forget plastic beads that end up in your attic—years ago, Mardi Gras throws were often made of glass! These rare and coveted beads were prized possessions, often kept as souvenirs.

Other unique throws included hand-painted coconuts, tiny dolls, or even silver coins known as doublons, featuring krewe emblems and parade themes. If you caught one, you were considered king (or queen) of the parade!

4.  HISTORY OF TRADITIONAL MADI GRAS COSTUMES & KREWES

Mardi Gras royalty, masked revelers, and costumed marchers were all part of the tradition, but many costumes were handmade, featuring elaborate feathered headdresses, sequins, and satin robes.

The krewes, some of which still exist today, upheld a sense of mystery—often wearing masks to conceal their identities, a tradition that dates back to the earliest Mardi Gras celebrations.

5. OLD-SCHOOL MUSIC & SECOND LINES

Imagine a Mardi Gras parade without a sound system—just the soulful brass of a New Orleans jazz band leading the charge. The second line tradition, where parade-goers follow behind the band dancing and waving handkerchiefs, was alive and well, just as it is today. The rhythm of Louisiana has always been the heartbeat of Mardi Gras.

Mardi Gras Nostalgia: A Celebration That Stands the Test of Time

While much has changed, one thing remains the same—Mardi Gras is all about community, celebration, and letting the good times roll. Whether it’s a modern-day superkrewe parade or a small-town Louisiana procession with a single float and a whole lot of spirit, the magic of Mardi Gras is timeless.

Do you have old Mardi Gras memories or vintage photos? Share them with us and let’s relive the good ol’ days together! 🎭✨