Culture & ritual

The traditions

Mardi Gras is more than beads and Bourbon Street. Here's the culture that makes Carnival what it is.

Purple

Justice

Green

Faith

Gold

Power

Rex chose the official colors in 1872; their meanings were assigned in 1892.

Throws

Beads, doubloons, Zulu coconuts and the art of the catch.

Why people mask, what to wear, and the colors that mean something.

The baby, the colors, and when the season really starts.

The hand-sewn suits and the culture behind them - watched with respect.