Carnival & Mardi Gras Party Ideas
Mardi Gras is the period of celebration just prior to Lent, the period of fasting, in the Catholic tradition. Mardis Gras generally takes place in late February and early March, eventually culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday. Made famous by the celebrations in the city of New Orleans, Mardis Gras parties and carnivals are actually common throughout other areas of the country as well. Mardis Gras parties are only limited by your imagination. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Block Party
-
Mardis Gras parties are known for their all-encompassing grandiosity in terms of the way that they take over an entire city like New Orleans. You can downsize the party just a bit and limit it to your neighborhood or the block in your neighborhood by throwing a block party. You can hold the block party in your own backyard or you can get several neighbors to participate as well. Each home's yard can be decorated to suit a theme, such as how Mardis Gras is celebrated in different parts of the world. Decorate and serve food that corresponds with each theme.
Brazilian Theme
-
You also can capitalize on one particular theme and make this the basis of your Mardis Gras party. For instance, the Brazilian carnival that precedes Mardis Gras can be used to kick off your own Mardis Gras party. Have guests show up with beads, masks and their own Mardis Gras-themed food. The carnival can consist of games, hayrides and other carnival-like activities. Use the occasion to decorate in a Brazilian decorative scheme to emphasize the party's theme.
-
Children's Party
-
Although Mardi Gras is usually an adult-themed party, the festive and carnival atmosphere can be extended so that children can enjoy it as well and not feel left out. One way to do this is to hold the Brazilian carnival on the day before Mardis Gras, but turn it into a costume festival. Both adults and children can participate in the costumed event. Give out prizes for the top costumes, and have age-appropriate games and activities for all involved.
Ball
-
Mardis Gras parties are known for being wild, to say the least. However, you can take a slightly different approach while maintaining many of the traditional Mardi Gras elements and themes. For instance, you can keep the traditional Mardis Gras food and decorations. You can even retain the costumes and masks if you wish, but rather than throwing a wild free-for-all party, you can throw a more subdued formal ball, complete with ballroom dancing.
-
References
- Photo Credit Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
