Although it seems like beads have been part of the holiday for as long as anyone can remember, it actually took some time to establish the tradition. In fact, the first Mardi Gras parade took place in the 1830′s, but the tradition of the beads did not start until the 1920′s. This was the year that participants in the Rex parade started throwing cheap beads made of glass into the crowd.

For over a century it has been a tradition for those in the parade to throw out beads or other trinkets to any spectator shouting the phrase, “Throw me something, mister.” It may seem like a small symbolism to be sure, but the tradition has endured for over a century, and will likely endure for another one. Sometimes it is not beads but trinkets or doubloons, which are coins in the size of a silver dollar. The beads are actually plastic necklaces in different colors, shapes, and sizes that represent jewelry royalty would wear.

If you don’t know where to find what you need for your own Mardi Gras party, your local party store should be able to direct you. If you don’t have a party store in your area or one that carries Mardi Gras supplies, an online search will provide websites where you can find all of the supplies you need for your Mardi Gras celebration.

1.  King Cake

A Mardi Gras party is not complete with the traditional King Cake. Originally, wealthy plantation owners would hide precious jewels inside the cake. In the mid-1900′s, tradition became to hide a small plastic baby as a symbol of the Holy Day, inside the cake. Each guest will take a piece of the cake and whoever finds the baby becomes the king or queen for the night and is commandeered to host next year’s party.

2.  Cupcakes

Make strings of colorful beads by baking small cupcakes 24 at a time, decorating them with colorful icing and placing them on the platter in formation of a string of beads.

3.  Mask Cake

Try carving the shape of a mask out of a rectangular cake and use edible decorations to create a festive masterpiece.

Whether you’re planning a party at home or actually taking part in the masquerade ball, it’s just not complete without Mardi Gras costumes and masks. The whole fun lies in dressing up for the occasion. So if you too want to get that uber cool look, which will make you the center of attraction, then check out our picks for the the best Mardi Gras Costumes for Women.

1.  Designer Collection Sexy Mardi Gras Maiden Adult Costume Includes top,skirt,coat. Does not include shoes.

2.  Mardi Gras Tainted Harlequin Adult Costume  Includes dress,shorts,hat and collar.

3.  Mardi Gras Harlequin Catsuit Adult Costume  Includes catsuit,collar and hat.

4.  Sexy Mardi Gras Queen Adult Costume Includes: Dress,headband,arm band,and choker. Shoes and body jewels not included.

5.  Mardi Gras Jester Woman Adult Costume  Includes: Dress,Wristlettes,Neck Accessory,Hat. Does not include stockings or shoes.

1.  Royalty

Many of the costumes you will see people wearing in the French Quarter on Fat Tuesday are based on how the French royals dressed for Masquerade balls. Marie Antoinette and her ladies of the court costumes are extremely popular and very fun to wear. You will see elaborate ball gowns with wigs and masquerade masks. Also court jester costumes are very popular as well. There are quite a few varieties just for jester ensembles. You can be a sexy jester, a wacky jester, even an evil jester. You could also be king for a day in the style of the 18th century (think of some of the Louis’) or just adorn yourself with a cape and crown and you’ll be set.

2.  Drag

Men dressing up as women and women dressing up as men are common occurrences for Mardi Gras. In fact, there are even major costume contests in the French Quarter for this very thing. If you want a chance to see how the other half live (or at least dress), then Mardi Gras is your chance!
3.  Masks

Even the most conservative revelers can get in on the costuming action by slipping on a mask. Throw on a feather boa, put a shimmy in your step and you’re good to go.

4.  Your Own Skin

If all else fails, you can’t go wrong by showing as much skin as possible. Wear liquid latex or body paint; just beware of the cold.

5.  Anything Goes

The great part of dressing up for Mardi Gras is just about anything goes, typically the more outrageous the better.  So have fun and be creative

The parades in New Orleans continue for two weeks. Each day of this fortnight sees more than one extravagant, colorful and joyous parade. In the closing days of the carnival, the number of parades that sets off every day increases. The parades are an occasion for family and friends to dress up bizarre, decorate parade trucks together and enjoy the fantastic carnival. Traditionally these parades are overwhelmingly drenched in purple that symbolizes justice, green that symbolizes faith and gold that symbolizes power. The official flag of Mardi Gras is made up of these colors.

Another very interesting part of Mardi Gras Parades is the marching bands that take the streets and play the favorite tunes, which the spectators really enjoy. The marching bands just stir liveliness in people by playing the jazz tunes and after this, the floats and thousands of paraders take over.

Here are some helpful tips and creative ideas for how to make your very own Mardi Gras mask:

Purchase Materials: To make your Mardi Gras mask, you will need a blank eye mask or thick white cardboard from which to cut a mask. If you decide to make your mask out of cardboard, it is a good idea to draw the shape of your mask on tracing paper and then transfer the original onto the cardboard. Other materials that you may want to use to decorate your mask include beads, ribbons, feathers, paint, glitter, and faux jewels. Also, don’t forget the scissors and glue! You may also want to purchase extra supplies in case you want to start over or modify your original design.

Be Creative: Decorate your mask using bright colors and a variety of different textures. Tin foil makes a great base to start with when decorating. Use different colors of paint to create designs and shapes. Glue on beads, jewels, sequence and glitter around the rim of the mask to frame your face. You can also add curled ribbon to the front and sides of the mask and colorful feathers.

“Mardi Gras” means “Fat Tuesday.” Traditionally, it is the last day for Catholics to indulge—and often overindulge—before Ash Wednesday starts the sober weeks of fasting that come with Lent. Formally known as Shrove Tuesday, Mardi Gras has long been a time of extravagant fun for European Christians. In fact, some people think Mardi Gras celebrations have their source in the wild springtime orgies of the ancient Romans.