Easter is nearly six weeks away, so you know what that means, Mardi Gras! For those who have heard of Mardi Gras, but aren’t entirely sure what it is, here’s a brief explanation:
Mardi Gras begins this year on Tuesday, February 25.
Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, is the culmination event of a string of celebrations before Ash Wednesday. This occasion is primarily viewed by Christians, who begin Lent on Ash Wednesday. Lent, in its strictest form, is the fasting of meat, fish, eggs and fats until Easter Sunday, however some decide to give up a luxury item(s) or food(s), but what is given up is dependent on individual traditions.
Before Lent starts, there is one last final celebration, Mardi Gras! But what do you need to do to prepare for this celebration? What more should you know about Mardi Gras? Are there any places you can go to celebrate with others? All these questions and more will be answered in this Colorado Springs Guide to Mardi Gras.
FUN FACTS
- The official colors of Mardi Gras are green, gold, and purple! Purple = Justice, Gold = Power, Green = Faith.
- The anthem for Mardi Gras is “If I Ever Cease to Love” which you can learn more about HERE.
- Originally, the beaded necklaces worn during celebration were made of glass, but now are largely constructed of plastic.
- New Orleans is known for being the home for Mardi Gras, and they throw several large parades on Fat Tuesday, all throughout the city. The first Mardi Gras parade was in 1837!
MASKS
It’s tradition to wear masks for Mardi Gras, and its required by law for the people on floats during the parade to wear them. The masks can be of any style, shape, but stick to the commemorative colors of gold, green, and purple. The masks are meant to break down barriers of social and economic structures and allow people to mingle freely.
You can even make your own mask! Just head to the craft store and grab some foam, fake feathers, sequins, glitter, and glue and you’ll have a blast with your family!
KING'S CAKE
Another enticing tradition of Mardi Gras is the King Cake. This cake is easily broken into different sections, and hidden in a slice, is a small plastic baby (sometimes a bean). Whoever finds this piece is crowned “King” for the rest of the day, a ceremonial and uplifting custom. It also means you get to host the next years celebration, yay you!
Many celebrities have been crowned King in the past, from Will Ferrell, Val Kilmer, Anthony Mackie, and Nicholas Cage, the list gets crazier as it goes on!
Want a King cake? There are many home recipes online if you wish to try and make this yourself, but if doughn’t have at yeast the baking skills required, don’t fret, just pick one up at any of these local bakeries. Just in case, be sure to call ahead!
EVENTS
Interested in finding other ways to celebrate Mardi Gras with? Here are some fun events happening locally, that you can participate in:
- Sat., Feb. 22 from 12 PM- 2 PM - Carnivale Parade in Manitou Springs
Celebrate the biggest tradition of Mardi Gras with a parade! Held at Memorial Park in Manitou Springs, CO, this will be an experience you won’t want to miss.
- Tues., Feb. 25 from 4 PM- 9 PM - Storybook Fat Tuesday
Wind down the night with Storybook Brewing as they release a special edition, King Cake Beer. Paired with savory bites from the food truck, Slow Downz Texas Creole, it’ll be a perfect completion to your long week.
- Tues., Feb. 25 from 7 PM- Midnight - Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball
Geared for older ages, this Ball will keep you spinning on Fat Tuesday! Though the parade is a more recognized staple of Mardi Gras customs, the Ball is no less important as it marks the culmination of the weeklong celebrations.
- Fri., Feb. 28 from 8 PM- Midnight - Fat Tuesday Headquarters
Hosted by Springs Orleans, this special event features live music, gumbo, king cakes and more! Be sure to pop on by for a blast before Ash Wednesday.
The most important part of this is you! What are your Mardi Gras traditions? Do you plan on going to any of these events? Are you going to be making or buying a King Cake this year? We want to hear your thoughts on all things Mardi Gras, simply send an email to NicoleH@macaronikid.com.
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