Mardi Gras, French for “Fat Tuesday”, is a big party or celebration in New Orleans, Louisiana. Mardi Gras refers to the events of the Carnival celebration, beginning on or after the Christian feasts of the Epiphany on the day before Ash Wednesday. Every year, these parades and parties flood the streets of New Orleans on this popular annual tradition. Each float is built by different groups and organizations. On the day of the parade, they throw beads and masks at the crowds from atop of the float. Another big tradition for Mardi Gras is King Cakes, also associated with the pre-Lenten celebrations of Mardi Gras. This cake is a ring of twisted cinnamon roll-style dough, topped with icing and/or sugar, colored green, yellow and purple- the traditional colors of Mardi Gras. King Cakes are so popular because of the tiny plastic baby inside. The person who gets the slice with the baby in it has to host the next party and buy the next King Cake. All in all, Mardi Gras, the biggest and best party in Louisiana, is a tradition that they all look forward to every year!

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