Mardi Gras is a fun festive celebration that is celebrated each year in many cities across the U.S. Some of the interesting history about Mardi Gras, meanings behind some of the traditions, and ideas for Mardi Gras promotional items and ideas for parade throws can be found below.

Mardi Gras has roots all the way back to medieval Europe. In 1699, Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville, a French-Canadian explorer, arrived about 60 miles south of New Orleans and celebrated Mardi Gras, bringing it to the land that would become America. Additionally, also brought Mardi Gras to the area that is now Mobile, AL in 1703. From there these two cities cultivated the traditions, festivities, and celebration known today as Mardi Gras. While Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is actually just 1 day, the festivities of Mardi Gras actually begin about 2 weeks in advance with many grande parades, masquerade balls, parties, and festive decorations.

Some of the U.S. cities and areas known for celebrating the traditions of Mardi Gras include New Orleans, Mobile, AL, Mississippi Gulf Coast (Biloxi, Gulfport, Long Beach, Pass Christian), Lake Charles, LA, Galveston, TX, San Diego, CA, St Louis, MO, Lake Charles, LA to name a few. Of course, there are many more cities across the United States that host Mardi Gras parades and activities. In these cities, you will find businesses and residences decorated with Purple, Gold, and Green which do have significance. These colors were chosen in 1872 by Rex (the King of Carnival). Purple represents justice; green represents faith, and gold represents power. Other popular traditions of Mardi Gras include wearing masks and king cakes.

If your Krewe will have a float in a parade, then throws are a must. Mardi Gras beads are among the most popular and classic throws for masked Krewe members to throw from the float. The throw beads can vary in color, style, shape, and size, with the most elaborate beads being the more "valuable" catches by the crowd. Plastic cups are also great throws at parades. The stadium cups are printed with company sponsors or the Krewe logo and thrown to the onlookers, who will, in turn, use the cup for years to come. Koozies are other popular throws that are printed with your logo. These make great throws because they are soft and won't hurt anyone in the crowd when thrown. Stuffed animals also are popular throws within the past few years. If your Krewe or company has an animal mascot, such as a Tiger, then plush animals are a great fit. Other popular throws include candy, doubloons, and other homemade trinkets.

Future Mardi Gras Dates

2019 - March 5

2020 - February 25

2021 - February 16

2022 - March 1

2023 - February 21

2024 - February 13

Promoting your business during the Mardi Gras season is a must, particularly if you live in an area that celebrates these traditions. Giving away promotional items related to these festivities are a great way to promote your sales and your business to the tourists and participants of Mardi Gras is paramount to your success. If you are looking for other Mardi Gras promotional items and throws to give away during this season, check out some of the great ideas below.

Mardi Gras is a time of celebration which has roots all the way back to medieval Europe. The celebration actually spans much longer than just Fat Tuesday, but rather starts as early as 2 weeks before and ends on Fat Tuesday. It has become a season, rather than just a day of festivities. In many cities, there are masquerade balls, parades, parties, and many other Mardi Gras-related festivities. The colors associated with this festive time include purple, gold, and green, which each have a different meaning. Masks are often worn during the Mardi Gras season and if you participate in any activities or parades, you are certain to receive plenty of throws, such as beach balls, cups, candy, and other goodies. Read more to see ideas for Mardi Gras promotional items, giveaways, and other interesting history.