Mardi Gras, the vibrant “Fat Tuesday” celebration, is filled with colorful parades, jazzy music, and endless festivities, especially in the heart of New Orleans. This joyous day, rooted in rich French traditions, marks the final feast before the solemn season of Lent begins. But how much do you really know about the hidden history, quirky customs, and iconic symbols of Mardi Gras?
From the mystery of King Cakes to the significance of the colors purple, green, and gold, this collection of Mardi Gras trivia questions and answers will take you on a fun journey through one of the world’s most festive traditions. Dive into these Mardi Gras facts and test your knowledge—let’s see if you can “laissez les bons temps rouler” (let the good times roll) with this trivia challenge!
1. What does “Mardi Gras” mean in French?
Fat Tuesday
2. In which U.S. city is Mardi Gras most famously celebrated?
New Orleans
3. What colors are traditionally associated with Mardi Gras?
Purple, Green, and Gold
4. What do the Mardi Gras colors represent?
Purple represents justice, green represents faith, and gold represents power.
5. What is the main food associated with Mardi Gras?
King Cake
6. Which European country did Mardi Gras originate in?
France
7. What is hidden inside a traditional King Cake?
A small plastic baby
8. What does it mean if you find the baby in a King Cake?
You have to buy the next King Cake or host the next party.
9. When does the Mardi Gras season officially begin?
January 6th, also known as Twelfth Night
10. What is the day after Mardi Gras called?
Ash Wednesday
11. What does Ash Wednesday signify in the Christian calendar?
The beginning of Lent
12. What is the name of the largest and most famous Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans?
The Krewe of Endymion Parade
13. What is a “krewe” in the context of Mardi Gras?
A social organization that organizes parades and events
14. Which famous drink is associated with Mardi Gras in New Orleans?
Hurricane
15. What does the term “flambeaux” refer to in Mardi Gras parades?
Torchbearers who light the way
16. What type of music is most commonly associated with Mardi Gras in New Orleans?
Jazz
17. When did Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans begin?
Around 1703
18. What item is commonly thrown from Mardi Gras floats?
Beads
19. Which bird is often seen in New Orleans decorations during Mardi Gras?
Pelican
20. What is the traditional farewell phrase used during Mardi Gras?
Laissez les bons temps rouler (Let the good times roll)
21. What is the significance of the Zulu coconut during Mardi Gras?
A prized “throw” decorated by hand and given by the Krewe of Zulu
22. What is a “second line” in New Orleans parades?
A group of parade followers dancing with umbrellas and handkerchiefs
23. In what century did Mardi Gras balls become popular?
The 18th century
24. Which organization throws the largest Mardi Gras parade in Mobile, Alabama?
The Order of Myths
25. What is the name of the elaborate masked balls held during Mardi Gras?
Carnival Balls
26. Where in the world are Mardi Gras celebrations also known as “Carnival”?
Brazil, Venice, and many other parts of the world
27. Which Catholic tradition is Mardi Gras based on?
The celebration before Lent
28. What is the official drink of New Orleans, often enjoyed during Mardi Gras?
Sazerac
29. Which city in Texas has a major Mardi Gras celebration known as “Mardi Gras! Galveston”?
Galveston
30. What was the original purpose of the Mardi Gras mask?
To allow wearers to be anonymous, regardless of social status
31. What flower is commonly seen in Mardi Gras decorations?
Magnolia
32. What is the largest Mardi Gras parade in Mobile, Alabama?
The Mystic Stripers Society Parade
33. What is the most common type of mask worn during Mardi Gras?
Venetian-style mask
34. What is the primary purpose of the “throws” in Mardi Gras parades?
To engage the crowd and spread joy
35. What do Mardi Gras revelers shout to encourage “throws” from the floats?
“Throw me something, mister!”
36. Which Mardi Gras tradition involves a secret society?
The krewe system
37. What is the name of the famous French Quarter street known for Mardi Gras celebrations?
Bourbon Street
38. What is the typical flavor of King Cake?
Cinnamon
39. Which New Orleans neighborhood is famous for its ornate Mardi Gras floats?
Uptown
40. What type of musical band is traditionally part of Mardi Gras parades?
Brass band
41. What is the name of the historic Mardi Gras district in New Orleans?
Faubourg Marigny
42. What is the name of the parade organization that honors African American culture in Mardi Gras?
Krewe of Zulu
43. What holiday is known as “the day after Mardi Gras”?
Ash Wednesday
44. What is the name of the French festival similar to Mardi Gras?
Carnival
45. Which animal symbolizes Mardi Gras and is often seen in the parades?
Crawfish
46. What is the traditional New Orleans motto for Mardi Gras?
“Let the good times roll” or “Laissez les bons temps rouler”
47. Which celebrity is known for hosting an annual Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans?
Harry Connick Jr.
48. Which dish is a popular food served during Mardi Gras celebrations?
Jambalaya
49. What type of costume is typically worn during Mardi Gras?