Mardi Gras for Kids & Family

Let's say that you and your family would like to experience the fun, excitement, and history of Mardi Gras, but the prospect of battling out-of-control crowds in the Big Easy makes you shudder. These affordable party ideas let your enjoy the flavor of The Big Easy in your very own house, without the problems caused by rowdy revelers.

In New Orleans, Mardi Gras celebrated for an entire season stating on January 6. Festivities last until the actual day of Mardi Gras, which is always the day before Ash Wednesday. The idea is to get your partying in before Lent begins.

Parades, parties, and elaborate costumes mark the season. In some ways, Mardi Gras is just like Halloween, so just about any costume will do. Most people sport masks, glitter, face paint, feathers, and so on. In the past few years, New Orleans Saints football player and fan costumes have surged in popularity.

The traditional colors of purple, green, and gold symbolize justice, faith, and power. Tables can be strewn with Mardi Gras confetti and beads, masquerade masks, and faux gold coins; purple, green, and gold balloons, banners, and table decorations help to create a convincing atmosphere.

Load the jukebox with jazz, zydeco, Cajun, and Dixieland. Perennial favorites include Professor Longhair, Beau Soleil, Dixie Cups, Fats Domino, and Louis Armstrong. If you prefer the quick and easy route, try a Mardi Gras Party sampler CD.

Your Mardi Gras spread should feature typical Big Easy favorites like jambalaya, gumbo, red beans and rice, and shrimp or crawfish etouffe. For dessert, consider bananas foster, pecans, pralines and the traditional King Cake, a pastry ring topped by purple, green, and gold sugar and baked with a plastic baby inside for good luck to the one who finds it!

Most kids will be pleased with your dessert options but other New Orleans favorites might be too zesty for their palettes. Make a batch of plain beans and rice for fastidious children and grown-ups.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Party Animal does consulting and freelance work for Party City, a leading retailer of masquerade masks, Mardi Gras costumes, Mardi Gras invitations, and other specialty party supplies.The author lives in the Bay Area and writes on all things related to holidays and party supplies.