From flamboyant masks to flambeauxs and more, Fat Tuesday is all about indulgence and fun! These incredibly beautiful traditions mark this very special holiday, and the team at Valobra Master Jewelers is ready to help you celebrate in style!
Mardi Gras Beads
One of the most well-known and beloved Mardi Gras traditions, the beads, locally known as “throws” have been a part of Mardi Gras celebrations since the 1920s when some of the larger krewes (more on them below) started handing out small trinkets to parade goers.
Traditionally, the beads were made of glass, and sometimes you can still snag a vintage-style necklace from a krewe! Beyond the beads, other small trinkets like toys, doubloons and even Moon Pies are thrown to the revelers!
Mardi Gras Krewes
The Mardi Gras krewes are organizations that plan out parades and balls during the event. Many of them are secret societies and joining one isn’t easy. The Mistick Krewe was the first group to host a parade, but today, there are many different Mardi Gras Krewes each hosting different parades and balls.
Some Krewes are more exclusive than others. Some have parade floats and others are marching krewes. Krewes have existed in some form or another since at least the 1850s, so it’s a tradition that goes back over 100 years.
The King Cake
An oval-shaped cake, decorated in the traditional Mardi Gras colors of green, purple and gold, the king cake features a small baby hidden somewhere in the cake. Whoever finds it is king for the day, but also has to buy the cake next year!
Flambeauxs and Parades
Today’s Mardi Gras parades are designed to dazzle with large papier-mache sculptures, flashing lights and other elaborate decorations. But they weren’t always this flamboyant. In the mid 1800s, the first floats began to appear simply as decorated carriages and horse-drawn wagons. Young men known as flambeauxs would walk beside the carriages holding torches to help light the way.
Mardi Gras Balls
Perhaps the most spectacular event of Fat Tuesday are the Mardi Gras balls. These balls are lavish affairs and date all the way back to the 1800s. Many ball attendees were private and exclusive events although these days, many of them are open to the public, who must buy a ticket to gain entry.
Mardi Gras Jewelry
If you’re looking to indulge in a little splendor for yourself or someone special, why not check out our beautiful selection of exclusive and one-of-a-kind jewelry at Valobra Master Jewelers? We have a shop in New Orleans and it’s the perfect excuse to not only treat yourself, but enjoy some of the Mardi Gras festivities as well! Come in and experience it all for yourself!