Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras History

Mardi Gras celebrates liberation from social norms, a welcoming of spring, and an opportunity to build communal ties, thus promoting unity, tolerance, and peace worldwide. It is a lively, convivial celebration observed globally, often characterised by parades, masquerade balls, and the indulgence of rich, decadent foods. This event derives from the Christian tradition of marking the final day of feasting before the sombre observance of the Lenten season. However, Mardi Gras, famous for embracing all forms of human diversity and expression, extends beyond its Christian roots.

The history of Mardi Gras can be traced back to medieval Europe. Although not traditionally celebrated in New Zealand due to its European origins, Mardi Gras's theme of inclusiveness parallels the cultural ethos of cohesiveness and multiculturalism embodied by New Zealand communities. Many New Zealanders may find the Mardi Gras celebrations attractive, stimulating cultural exchange, embracing diversity, and fostering global understanding.

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the participation of New Zealanders in Mardi Gras observance. Recognising the diversity of its population, various cities in New Zealand, including Auckland and Wellington, have hosted their unique Mardi Gras events involving dazzling parades, music festivals, and cultural shows. The events usually take place in February or March, reflecting the same seasonality as the traditional Mardi Gras. These festivities have continued to grow, guaranteeing an exciting, multicultural, and vibrant celebration, just as Mardi Gras should be.

Facts about Mardi Gras

• Some families eat a festive King Cake on Mardi Gras. Although it is traditionally served on Epiphany, many cultures, especially the people of Louisiana, savor the sweet cake the night before Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras cakes are often decorated with a toy baby to represent the baby Jesus.
• Green, gold, and purple are the official colors of Mardi Gras, and they all have roots in Christianity. Green represents faith, while purple symbolizes justice. Gold stands for power.
• Mardi Gras is not celebrated as an official church holiday, but is celebrated because the following day starts Lent, a 40-day period of preparation and penitence before Easter. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, so Mardi Gras, French for "Fat Tuesday", is often the last day that people may indulge before beginning dietary restrictions. In Roman Catholic tradition, the faithful refrain from eating meat during Lent except on Sundays. Fish is acceptable in some Latin American countries.
• While Mardi Gras may not have a long historical link to New Zealand, various communities and organizations in the country sometimes host Mardi Gras-themed events, generally for entertainment or fundraising purposes. These events often feature New Orleans or Rio de Janeiro-inspired music, decorations, and costumes.
• Some Mardi Gras events in New Zealand feature a parade, with elaborate floats and decorative costumes. The parade is a central aspect of the celebration, with people gathering from far and wide to experience and participate in the event.

In the News and Trending in NZ for Mardi Gras

Top things to do in NZ for Mardi Gras

• Make your own King cake and serve it to your family and friends.
• Wear purple, green, and gold beads to celebrate the day.
• Ohakune Mardi Gras: Known as one of the biggest parties in New Zealand, the annual Ohakune Mardi Gras is a must-attend. Held in the town of Ohakune on North Island, it is an event that celebrates the start of the ski season with a big outdoor party with thousands of attendees.
• Auckland Pride Festival: Another LGBTQIA+ celebration event that happens annually around Mardi Gras season, featuring music, drag performances, and a parade.