What is Mardi Gras?

What are some specifics on Mardi Gras?

• What're some specific places that are famous for having something to do with Mardi Gras. I'm talking about places even more specific than cities, like street names, restaurants, things like that. If you have any other really good info (that someone who doesn't have general background knowledge of the holiday wouldn't know), then please list those, too! The whole point is that my birthday party is going to be Mardi Gras themed and I'd like to make up some decorations like street signs and such, but I don't know a whole lot other than what anyone with the internet could find out about Mardi Gras in 15 minutes. If you're pretty knowledgable in this area, PLEASE send an answer! :]

• Answer:

  The French Quarter Jackson Square Traditional Route, A standard route for night parades that begins at Napoleon Avenue, goes down St. Charles Avenue to Canal Street and ends at the Ernest Morial Convention Center. Moon Walk or River Walk Mardi Gras Indians (Wild Magnolias and the Golden Eagles) Feast of Epiphany King Cakes from Gambino's Bakery or Tastee Donuts Check out the parade schedule for Street names and Points of Interest locations. Purple stands for justice, green for faith, and gold for power. Have elaborate masks that some wear add to the fun. Typical throws include beads, cups, doubloons, trinkets, and stuffed animals. Doubloons are Silver-dollar sized commemorative aluminum coins. Carnival/Mardi Gras is a European import. In fact, long before it was Christianized, it was a pagan bacchanalia of drinking and debauchery; which hasn't changed much. Much of Catholic - or formerly Catholic - Europe celebrates Carnival under one name or another, again as a season of partying before Lent, as do many of its former colonies. The early explorers and settlers of both New Orleans and Mobile arrived with a tradition of Mardi Gras and adapted the tradition to their new home. Laissez les bon temps rouler!