( 
)Mardi Gras 2007 is February 20th.
Mardi Gras came to or was introduced to New Orleans by the French explorer Pierre Le Moyne, Sieur d'Iberville in 1699. However, Mardi Gras was a major holiday in Paris which was celebrated since the Middle Ages. Iberville sailed into the Gulf of Mexico and on March 3 of 1699, he set up camp on the west bank of the Mississippi river about 60 miles south of New Orleans. Mardi Gras was being celebrated in France at this time and to honor this important day, Sieur d'Iberville named the site Point du Mardi Gras.
Mardi Gras came to or was introduced to New Orleans by the French explorer Pierre Le Moyne, Sieur d'Iberville in 1699. However, Mardi Gras was a major holiday in Paris which was celebrated since the Middle Ages. Iberville sailed into the Gulf of Mexico and on March 3 of 1699, he set up camp on the west bank of the Mississippi river about 60 miles south of New Orleans. Mardi Gras was being celebrated in France at this time and to honor this important day, Sieur d'Iberville named the site Point du Mardi Gras.
Throughout the years, Orleanians have added to the celebration by establishing krewes (organizations) which host parades and balls.
Mardi Gras' traditional colors are Purple, Green & Gold. Mardi Gras' colors were choose in 1892 when the Krewe of Rex gave the colors their meaning in the theme "Symbolism of Colors" parade.
Purple represents justice
Green stands for faith
Gold stands for power
Mardi Gras is always 47 days before Easter Sunday and can fall between February 3 and March 9. Mardi Gras is generally used to refer to the whole Carnival season, especially during the final two weeks when most of the parades occur in New Orleans. Most New Orleanians refer to the entire Carnival season as "Mardi Gras" but traditionalist may make a big fuss over the actual technical term.Guide created: 10/01/06 (updated 01/17/08)
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