Mardi Gras, also known as “Fat Tuesday", mirrors the practice of the last night of consuming fatty foods before the habitual fasting of the Lenten season, or Ash Wednesday. This has become an extravagant festival over the years, especially in New Orleans. Many travel from all over the world to New Orleans just to experience this massive party. At this time of the year, this is one place where anyone and everyone can act wildly and not feel ashamed. Whether you choose to travel to this historic place for this popular day in history or you choose to put on your own party at home, this day is one filled with bright colors, excitement, raucous behavior, masks, and beads; oh yes, beads.

If you travel to New Orleans, be sure to claim your spot along the street for the large parade filled with everything from bawdy costumed drag queens, stilt walkers, clowns, and showgirls to masked animals, painted entertainers, magicians and musicians. Fantastically fabulous floats are built to display throughout the parade. Many celebrities will come for the show, and even celebrity look-alikes will be in attendance. The most popular of party favors gathered from this memorable event are the colorful beaded necklaces. The things these party-goers and spectators will do to get the most beads thrown at them is a party in itself; some will dress in striking costumes, some in priest clothing, some flash a little skin and some flash ALL of their skin. I told you, “No shame.”

If you do choose to have a party at home, this is an easy one to plan. Think bright flashy colors, glitzy costumes, and lots of beads. Clearly a theme party, bring New Orleans right into your home. If the men are willing, host a Drag Queen contest, give out beads to the guests to throw at them while they perform a little dance. The best Drag can win a special price. Decorate with colorful balloons, streamers, and glitter. Hire a face painter to paint masks on all of the guests. You can easily make your party a Mardi Gras affair.