While the raucous parties and festive parades of the Mardi Gras and Carnivale season may not seem like they should be tied to the Christian church, the traditions of “Fat Tuesday” are in fact related in history to the season of fasting and repentance known as Lent. The holiday was a compromise dreamed up by the Roman rulers when Christianity was named the state religion. In order to persuade pagan spring revelers to join the faith, the end of their festival was made to coincide with the beginning of Lent. Thus, the day before Ash Wednesday began the 40 day fasting period, they had a huge party to eat everything in the house. “Fat Tuesday” was born, and when the custom traveled to France, it was translated to “Mardi Gras”.

But how did the festivity get to America – and eventually, to Kansas City? 
French settlers in the early 1700’s introduced the region (which would one day be Louisiana) to Mardi Gras, with masquerade balls and lavish dinners. In 1812 Louisiana became a U.S.state, and within 50 years Mardi Gras had grown in true American style. Celebrants danced through the streets in masks and costumes, mystical parades took place after dark, illuminated only by flaming torches and adding to the drama. Colorful floats were loaded with secret society “krewes”, who maintained their anonymity year-round and still run the parades today. One such krewe named Rex the King of Mardi Gras, and Rex proclaimed that purple, gold, and green were the official colors of the celebration, a tradition that continues after more than 150 years. (The colors stand for justice, power, and faith, respectively)

Are You Planning a Mardi Gras Party? Ask our expert floral designers to create an extravagant Mardi Gras bouquet, brimming over with the bright colors of the holiday. Purple and gold s in a bed of green are the perfect decor for a home or office party.

Throughout the years, Mardi Gras in New Orleans has remained the country’s largest observance, and the parades are legendary. But there are Mardi Gras activities all over Kansas City as well, including the charity party at Drexel Hall, and the 5K run for the whole family in the Kansas City Power & Light District. Join in the fun, the food, and music that is quintessential Mardi Gras!

And when it comes time to decorate your own festivities, remember the masks, the beads, and the Kings Cake – and of course, amazing arrangements from Tobler’s Flowers.