New Orleans which is well known for Mardi Gras or “Fat Tuesday” attracts millions of socialites each year to partake in the two week long festivities of masked balls and colorful parades that date back to the early 1700s.  The season officially commences on January 6, King’s Day, and concludes on Mardi Gras Day, which always falls on the Tuesday prior to Ash Wednesday. This year, Mardi Gras festivities in New Orleans will take place from Monday, January 6, through Tuesday, February 25, 2020.

When writing this blog, I stumbled across a recent article featuring important Mardi Gras lingo that everyone must learn before visiting New Orleans for Carnival Season.  As a native to the city, I felt compelled to share it!

“Krewe: These are the organizations responsible for planning and executing Mardi Gras parades and masquerade balls. In keeping with the allure of original Carnival traditions, several krewes do not reveal the theme of their parades until the night of the events. Equally mysterious, many krewes make sure their participants’ identities are never publicized (which is why krewe members wear elaborate masks during parades).

Purple, gold, and green: The Rex Organization, one of the oldest Mardi Gras krewes in New Orleans, established purple, gold, and green as the official Mardi Gras colors as far back as 1892. The three shades are said to symbolize justice, faith, and power, respectively.

Go cup: In New Orleans, it’s legal to walk the streets with alcoholic drinks in plastic cups—and not just during Mardi Gras. Go cups are exactly what they sound like: “to-go” cups that allow you to take your drink with you from bar to bar (or parade to parade).

Neutral ground: Median strips that separate streets are referred to as “neutral ground” in New Orleans. The phrase dates back to the 1800s and referenced the dividing lines between municipalities, but today, Mardi Gras goers use the term to distinguish where they’ll stand along parade routes between the “neutral ground” side and the “sidewalk” side.

Throws: Each Mardi Gras krewe creates its own unique set of trinkets to toss at parade goers, who then try to catch the “throws” to take home as souvenirs. Mardi Gras throws have been a New Orleans tradition for more than 130 years and include everything from purses to cups, toiletries, beads, and doubloons, the colorful metal medallions designed with krewe emblems that adorn the signature bead necklaces customized by each Mardi Gras krewe.”

In addition to learning the commonly used lingo and stocking up on your purple, green and gold attire, it’s important to look your absolute best so that you can stand out in the crowd and turn heads as you chant the iconic phrase, “Throw Me Something Mister.”

Planet Beach will serve as your one stop shop for all of your beauty, wellness and fitness goals this Carnival Season.  Whether you want a full body transformation or more targeted results, our spas provide everything you need for maximum results. Stop by your local Planet Beach to get a little UV Therapy or achieve a golden glow in just minutes with a Sunless Spray Tan. To find a location near you or to locate a spa in the New Orleans area during your Mardi Gras visit, log on to https://planetbeach.com/spa-locator/.

P.S. Just a little tip! If you want to catch a lot of throws or the coveted Zulu Coconut on Mardi Gras Day, use a fishing net with a long handle!!

Referenced Article:https://www.afar.com/magazine/everything-you-need-to-know-about-mardi-gras-in-new-orleans

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Written By: Jodie Mateu, VP of Special Events & Productivity and Franchisee