Categories: LouisianaNew Orleans

Learn the History of Mardi Gras at the Presbytere

Come learn the history of Mardi Gras at the Presbytere in New Orleans Louisiana. Not only will you see costumes, tiaras, and scepters but you will also see floats and historical throws. Originally it started as costumes balls but it wasn’t long before parades were added. In the late 1830s parade maskers started tossing candy to women on french quarter balconies. Then in 1871, the first trinkets appeared. Nowadays, these trinkets are called throws and can vary from beads, plastic cups, stuffed toys, coins, and underwear. Since Krewes design the floats and costumes, the throws have their logo on them.

After learning all about the history of Mardi Gras, make sure to visit the Hurricane exhibit on the main floor. Since New Orleans gets a lot of hurricanes, they built a levee system. But when Hurricane Katrina hit the badly engineered levee system, it broke, leaving 80% of the city flooded and hundreds died. As a result, hurricane Katrina was one of the worst disasters in American History. The exhibit demonstrates the damage caused by Katrina and the strength of the human spirit. Most of all, this exhibit will give you hope in humanity.

What is Mardi Gras?

Basically, it’s a European Carnival to celebrate Carne Verage aka lent. All meat products during the six weeks lent were prohibited by the church. Since people didn’t have fridges back then, the food would spoil. In order to save as much food as possible, families and friends would get together for a carnival. During which they would eat as much of it as they could so that it wouldn’t go to waste.

Fun Facts

Why do people wear green, purple, and gold for at the Mardi Gras?
  • Green is for Faith
  • Purple is for Justice
  • Gold is for Power

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Admission:

$7 adults

$6 students, seniors, and military

Plan to spend an hour and a half here.

Directions

Presbytere

751 Chartres St

New Orleans, LA 70116

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