Mardi Gras Timeline

2013

The Super Gras

New Orleans hosts Mardi Gras and the Super Bowl at the same time.

1762-1800

Spain cancels Mardi Gras

There were no celebrations during the Spanish possession of Louisiana.

1827

The colorful costumes begin

Students danced through the streets of New Orleans imitating the revelry they'd experienced in Paris.

March 3, 1699

Mardi Gras comes to the US

French explorers land in what will become Louisiana. They celebrate and name the spot, "Point du Mardi Gras."

3,000 BC

The Beginnings of Carnival

Carnival (the same thing as Mardi Gras) dates back thousands of years to pagan festivals of Spring and fertility.