VISION/PURPOSE
We strive to bring to you authentic Mardi Gras festivities and fun, blended with flavors of Midwest festival culture all in one place! Here is the new Midwest Mardi Gras capital right here in Minnesota!
MARDI GRAS FUN FACTS
“Carnival” comes from the Latin phrase “carne vale”, which means “farewell meat”, as it was often the sacrifice in Lent.
Mardi Gras translates directly into “Fat Tuesday”, and is the final day of carnival celebrations before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Fat Tuesday became a Louisiana state holiday in 1875.
New Orleans became the Mardi Gras hotspot in 1857 when floats were introduced to the city’s parade for the first time.
New Orleans Mardi Gras parades have only been cancelled 13 times since inception, usually due to wars. The two most recent were 1945 (WWII) and 2021 (COVID-19 pandemic).
A braided circular cake with Mardi Gras colors called a King Cake is one of the most popular desserts. There is a small plastic baby inside, and whoever finds it in their slice has to bring King Cake to the next year’s celebration.
Bead-throwing became a thing in Mardi Gras celebrations in the 1880s. Want a bead thrown to you from a float during a parade? Yell “throw me something, mister!”
Most Mardi Gras carnival celebrations typically last 3 days to a week.
The official colors of Mardi Gras are purple, gold, and green.
Purple symbolizes justice.
Gold represents power.
Green signifies faith.
The 1872 Krewe of Rex is credited with
introducing the official Mardi Gras colors.
TEAM/ORGANIZERS
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Michael Batiste
Louisiana native and disabled military veteran with deep family roots in Mardi Gras tradition and events.
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Jason Wolf (Sr. Vice President)
Wisconsin native, teacher/coach, and passionate Mardi Gras enthusiast.
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Kellie Winter (Sales/Marketing Consultant)
Minnesota native and passionate Mardi Gras enthusiast.
