Mardi Gras

One of the most feverish and exciting festival that is well known around the world is mardi gras that is famously also known as to be the Carnival celebrations, that occurs in the early or after the Epiphany or Kings day and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday during the Lenten 40 days.

The early beginning as in the observation can be dated back to those of Europe and other countries that are in and around the Christian world. To be more specific in the 17th and 18th centuries to the French House of the Bourbons and with its popularity that has grown become one of the most awaited fest in around the world.

Mardi Gras History

In the very beginning it is to mark the pagan acknowledging the spring and fertility rites which was later being accepted by the Roman Catholics to make it part of the festival as it was one of the most prestigious even before the coming of Christianity. Despite its rich mardi gras history today it has become so huge that in certain parts of the world this day is an official public holiday marking the respect of the religious aspect of it and also the fun filled carnival that everyone gets to be a part of it.

Mardi Gras Tradition

One of the most common customs or mardi gras traditions during these festivities is the magnificent carnival where people come in different dresses and with colorful painting on their faces or masks that are well blend with wearing masks and costumes, overturning social conventions, dancing, sports competitions, parades and many more. It has become a world event that mardi gras celebrations are an important event in countries such as Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Barranquilla, Colombia; Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago; Quebec City, Canada; Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico; and New Orleans, Louisiana, United States.

Mardi Gras Food

Similar to any other festival the mardi gras celebrations food plays a vital role despite the gathering of colorful necklaces; it will begin with the ample addition of the meat, eggs, milk and cheese that had been avoided during the Lenten period. Over the years there has been the inclusion of diverse kinds of cuisines depending upon the area of celebration but there are some which is a must to prepare such as the Mardi Gras King Cake apart from it there are many more which are listed as under:
  • Alton's Shrimp Gumbo
  • French Quarter Beignets
  • Cajun Spice Mix
  • Mardi Gras King Cake
  • Crab Boil Spice Mix
  • Crab Gumbo
  • Maque Choux Corn
  • Crawfish Etouffee
  • Lean Andouille Sausage
  • Crawfish Mashed Potatoes
  • Crayfish Spread
  • Crawfish Etouffee
  • NOLA-Style Noshes
  • Creole Gumbo
  • Creole Mustard
  • Creole Olive Salad
  • Creole Spice Blend Mix
  • Creole Spice Mix
  • Lighter Jambalaya
  • Crocialles (Beignets)
  • Deep-Fried Turkey
  • Mardi Gras King Cake
  • Jambalaya Fettuccine
  • Kicked-Up Fried Calamari
  • Creole Seasoning (Emeril)
  • Chicken Gumbo (Pressure Cooker)
  • Coconut Beer Shrimp with Sweet & Tangy Sauce
  • Crawfish-Stuffed Artichokes with Lagniappe
  • Creole Christmas Fruitcake with Whiskey Sauce
  • Mignon Salmon with Roulade Corn and Black Bean Relish