Float Ideas for Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday," or the last day of the period known as the Festival of Carnival, according to Mardi Gras Digest. Carnival begins on January 6th and ends on Ash Wednesday, the day that marks the beginning of the Catholic Lenten season. The Mardi Gras celebration on Bourbon Street in New Orleans' French Quarter is a staple event for this season, and includes many elaborate, often bead-filled parade floats. Does this Spark an idea?
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King of Mardi Gras
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Create a float fit for the king of Mardi Gras. Color schemes can include royal purple, gold and green. Wood paneling attached to cushioned seats can be used to create a throne, though kingly chairs may be bought or borrowed. Green crepe paper can be used to litter the float's floor and purple fringe may be used around the float edges. If you have the resources, a large mask for the top of the throne can be created and wood pieces cut into a large crown, which you can paint gold. Assorted colored paints work as jewels in the crown.
Luau
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Luau floats can be created using crepe paper and silk flowers for palm trees and tropical flower displays. Plenty of leis all around the float can also be used. Real or fake plants may be used depending on resources. Real or fake flowers can be scattered all around the float floor, though you might want to glue a few petals down so your float floor isn't completely bald by the end of your run. Buckets of petals to shower on parade-goers are also an option. Buy plastic leis in bulk, which may also be thrown to the crowd, and silk flower leis as float decorations. Those in the parade should wear grass skirts and coconut bras to complete the float's look.
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Court Jester
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Be the court jester of Mardi Gras by purchasing a court jester costume and Venetian masks to wear while riding the float. Large court jester heads as the head of the float are an option if you have the resources; if not, harlequin dolls, assorted masks, crepe paper, balloons and tons of glitter may be utilized to create assorted displays. Handfuls of glitter can be thrown at the crowd as well as less expensive masks. Court jester hats, costume pieces and puppets may be purchased to create additional displays.
Additional Ideas
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Some of the most elaborate Mardi Gras floats feature large sculptures of colorful dragons or other animals, such as large lion heads representing the king of Mardi Gras or under the sea displays with big bright fish at the helm. Mermaids are another common elaborate Mardi Gras float option. Less expensive ideas include creating a float based on the idea of Mardi Gras beads. Decorate the float with large beads and baubles and place ropes of beads on stuffed decorative figures.
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