YOU MIGHT SAY THE TIME LINES for Mardi Gras are internationally disjointed, and jam-packed with historic, primarily Christian, reference. To start with, the period officially recognized as carnival precedes Mardi Gras Day and is (generally) the time period between Epiphany (when God first revealed Jesus’ identity as the Savior or Messiah) or Twelfth Night (the last day of the Christmas season) and Ash Wednesday.
Consequently, the wild, rich, and spectacular carnival period is really quite long, kicking off in a blaze on January 6th, and not ending until the day before Lent begins. The final chance for ecstatic indulgence!
— However, many places around the world think of Mardi Gras as being the entire carnival period. Others see Mardi Gras as the last three days before Lent, while others consider it the final day only.
Majestic and Mystical
SOME SO LOVE THE MARDI GRAS time period they have stretched it out as far as possible. In Mobile Alabama, an extended Mardi Gras period starts in November with mystical societies’ majestic balls and dinners. Masks are again important Mardi Gras symbols.
- Masquerade masks are fabulous eye masks for gals and guys alike. Inexpensive in price only, these rich-looking masks come in papier mache, metallic gold, and a glitzy glitter material with acrylic stones – to name just a few. What could be better for an early winter masquerade ball?
The Mobile celebrations continue on through Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day, culminating in a wild and wanton finale at midnight before Ash Wednesday. It is all dizzying and phenomenal!
—In some parts of Europe, particularly Ireland and the United Kingdom, as well as Latin America, the carnival period is called Shrovetide, and ends on Shrove Tuesday.
THROUGH IT ALL, in true New Orleans Mardi Gras tradition, fabulous jazz music blasts through the city, costumes are donned, makeup is outlandish, masks are brilliantly designed, bought or made, vivid colors are worn, feathers are sensational, gifts are generously distributed, and a magical period of fun and festivity prevails.
THROUGH IT ALL, TOO, there is an aura of hidden, intriguing identity – is this masked person beautiful or ugly, rich or poor, young or old? You may never know.
Few Mardi Gras masks are as popular and magnificent as those from Venice, Italy.
- Venetian masks are perhaps the most sought after in the world, what with their exquisite artistry and imaginative representations. Venetian style carnivale masks are amazingly authentic-looking, with gold tassels dangling from the points of the jester hat. These full face masks also feature rich brocade hat and collar.
- Children’s Venetian-style mask with veil is beautifully scaled down to smaller size, with hand-painted design and sparkly highlights. It is sure to thrill any child.
–Be sure to check out our latest Accessory Wholesale Newsletter for more on masks and Mardi Gras.
THE SPECTACULAR MARDI GRAS parade in New Orleans is filled with wondrous floats, brilliant performers, and artistic exhibitions. Commercial advertisements are banned.
One of the most delightful parade aspects is the throwing of “gifts,” such as colorful beaded necklaces and, most notably, toy coins known as “doubloons.” These are decorated with the image of the parade “Rex” on one side and individual Krewe logos on the other.
These special “throws” are prized as Mardi Gras memorabilia and are highly collectible. In order to get as many as possible, New Orleans residents and visitors engage in all sorts of attention-getting antics. Children are often dressed in special eye-catching outfits. . Some people wear the Roman collar of Catholic priests. Others vie wickedly from behind Satanic masks and bawdy female costumes. Oh, this can be naughty!
MARDI GRAS MEMORABILIA attracts a great deal of consumer attention all year long. Think about some of the fun, fantasy items available that are sure to sell well to anyone interested in the phantasmagoria of Mardi Gras.
- Mardi Gras crazy hats are sure to make anyone smile. 6-foot feather boas in Mardi Gras colors are unbeatable fashion accessories. And colorful Mardi Gras suspenders, ties and gloves are all great items to bring home as souvenirs.
