Mardi Mardi Gras: A Colorful Celebration
Mardi Gras, also called Fat Tuesday, is a lively festival that takes place before Lent, a Christian period of fasting and reflection. It is a time for people to enjoy food, music, and parties before the more serious season begins. The most famous Mardi Gras celebrations happen in New Orleans, Louisiana, where thousands of visitors come to experience the exciting parades, music, and traditions.
One of the most popular traditions during Mardi Gras is the throwing and collecting of Mardi Gras beads. These colorful beads are an essential part of the celebration and can be seen everywhere in the city during the festival.
What are Mardi Gras beads?
Mardi Gras beads are long necklaces made of small, shiny plastic beads. They are usually gold, green, and purple. Each color has a special meaning: gold represents power, green stands for faith, and purple symbolizes justice. The beads are often given away during the parades, making them fun souvenirs for those who attend the event.
Besides beads, some necklaces include small coins, cups, or other trinkets. These are known as “throws,” and they are highly valued by festival-goers.
How can you get Mardi Gras beads?
People can get Mardi Gras beads in different ways. The most common way is by attending the parades, where beads are thrown from the decorated floats. Spectators often shout, “Throw me something, mister!” to ask for the beads. Sometimes, people also exchange beads with others, making it a fun and interactive tradition.
In certain areas, such as the French Quarter, there are unique customs related to getting beads. However, these are not as common in the official Mardi Gras parades.
For those who cannot attend the festival, Mardi Gras beads can also be bought in stores or online, so everyone can join in the celebration, no matter where they are.
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Five Key Words
Festival – A special event with music, food, and fun activities.
Parade – A public event where people walk or ride in decorated vehicles to celebrate something.
Beads – Small round objects, usually made of plastic, used to make necklaces.
Float – A large decorated platform on wheels used in parades.
Souvenir – An object kept to remember a place or an event.
Comprehension Questions
- What is Mardi Gras also called?
- Why do people celebrate Mardi Gras?
- Where is the most famous Mardi Gras celebration held?
- What are Mardi Gras beads made of?
- What do the colors of Mardi Gras beads represent?
- What are “throws” in Mardi Gras?
- How can people get Mardi Gras beads during the parade?
- What phrase do people shout to ask for beads?
- Besides beads, what other items can be part of the Mardi Gras throws?
- Can you buy Mardi Gras beads if you are not at the festival?