Mardi Gras dates back thousands of years to pagan celebrations of spring and fertility. When Christianity arrived in Rome, religious leaders decided to incorporate the popular tradition into the new faith, so the excess and debauchery of the Carnival season became a prelude to Lent, the 40 days of penance between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Mardi Gras marks the final day of feasting and revelry before the fasting, prayer and moderation of Lent. Mardi Gras is all about overindulging.
The first Carnival season was brought to New World via the French. Many historians belive the first American Mardi Gras was on March 3, 1699, when French explorers Bienville and Iberville landed in Louisiana. In 1827 a group of students in colorful costumes danced through the streets this is concidered the first recorded New Orleans Carnival parade.
Today, the early weeks of Carnival bring many black tie and costumed themed balls. These balls are usually invitation-only, celebrate the new royalty for each krewe, or private club.
The final two weeks leading up to Mardi Gras, are overflowing with street parades featuring bands, marching groups and large floats packed with costumed riders throwing beads and other trinkets to the masses in the streets.