The Most Fun and Fascinating Mardi Gras Traditions, Explained

Here are some of the inside stories behind classic Mardi Gras traditions:.Mardi Gras is all about preparing to fast for Lent. People indulge in one last bout of feasting and drinking.The French brought the festivities to America, holding the first Mardi Gras in the early 1700s in Mobile, Alabama.France's strong influence on Louisiana's culture cemented the state as the home of Mardi Gras in the United States.The official dessert of Mardi Gras is undoubtedly the king cake.The cakes consist of bread-like dough, sweet filling, and frosting. Purple, green, and gold sugar top them off. .King cake season kicks off on January 6th, and bakeries sell them until Ash Wednesday.Throwing beads at Mardi Gras seems to date back to the late 1800s, but it really didn't take off until the 1920s.Tossing beads has become the thing to do on parade floats. Head down to New Orleans, and catch some for yourself