Mardi Gras Parades Are Among the Most Colorful In the World

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Van Nuys, California, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) January 19, 2012 -- "Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras, is filled with weeks of celebrations that are recognized all over the globe. It is actually a religious celebration that marks days just before the start of Lent. The festive season includes masquerade balls, king cake parties, and parades.

There is a Mardi Gras parade each day of the celebration, although weather is a factor sometimes and does postpone some parades. Some days hold several parades, some large and some small. And the last five days of Mardi Gras, the most elaborate, fabulous parades take place, especially in New Orleans, Louisiana. These are organized by a group called the Carnival Krewes. These krewes were organized in the early 19th century, and they were originally called Ye Mistick Kewe of Comus, dating back to Mobile, Alabama, in 1830.

The Carnival Krewes are assigned to ride along with the float and toss various trinkets to the crowds cheering them on below and alongside them. They typically throw doubloons, which are plastic necklaces of very colorful, sometimes metallic beads. At other times they throw wooden or aluminum coins with pictures that depict the krewe logo. Also among the whimsical items being thrown are plastic cups and small toys.

The Mardi Gras parades of New Orleans presently center around St. Charles Avenue and Canal Street. They used to be on Bourbon Street and in the French Quarter, but the streets have proven to be very narrow with many overhead signs and other obstructions that hinder the safety of the floats of the parades. So, since 1972 they have originated in Uptown and the Mid-City districts of New Orleans.

This year, in 2012, the Mardi Gras parade schedule begins on Feburary 4th, and culminates with many parade events on February 21st, which is Fat Tuesday. They will be taking place in various places around the city, such as The French Quarter, Metairie, Uptown, the West Bank, Mandeville, Chalmette, Covington, Slidell, and Madisonvilee.

Although New Orleans is probably the most popular, colorful, and exciting place to celebrate Mardi Gras, the parties and parades also take place all around the world. There are carnivals in Rio de Janeiro, Australia, South America, Italy, and other parts of Europe.
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Mardi Gras parade