Skip to main content
The History and Culture of New Orleans is undeniably unique. Cajun, Creole, African, and European cultures mix to create a true “one-of-a-kind” city. And this one-of-a-kind city has a one-of-a-kind celebration - Mardi Gras.
Every year, over one million people flock to the streets of New Orleans to experience Mardi Gras. But, where did this strange celebration come from? What is its purpose? And how did it end up in New Orleans, Louisiana?
The History & Traditions of Mardi Gras explores the unique festival of New Orleans’ Mardi Gras. We unearth its pagan origins and reveal how the ancient Greeks, the Roman Empire and the Catholic Church have influenced it. We expose the secret societies of Mardi Gras, whose members perform bizarre customs while cloaked in elaborate costumes and masks. And we explain some of the fabled traditions of Mardi Gras, such as tossing hand decorated coconuts from parade floats and baking a plastic baby into King Cake.
New Orleans’ historians, Mardi Gras experts, artisans, tourists, and locals, all contribute their voice and their spirit to The History & Traditions of Mardi Gras.
Featured interviews include:
• Wayne Phillips, curator, The Presbytere “Mardi Gras” Museum.
• Arthur Hardy, author, “Mardi Gras in New Orleans”, and “Arthur Hardy’s Mardi Gras Guide”.
• Blaine Kern, aka “Mr. Mardi Gras”, owner, Kern Studios, and Mardi Gras World.
• Mark Perelli, float builder, Kern Studios.
• Don Fraser, mask maker, Serendipitous Masks.
• Fr. R. Tony Ricard, priest, Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church.
• Tom Fitzmorris, food critic, talk radio host, WWWL.
• David Haydel, Jr., owner, Haydel’s Bakery.
Mardi Gras is a festival that is celebrated on four continents and has been influenced by many different civilizations and cultures. New Orleans’ Mardi Gras definitely reflects its own unique style and flair. The History & Traditions of Mardi Gras declares that New Orleans’ Mardi Gras is an artistic celebration of fun, food and family.
