10 Mardi Gras Facts to<br />Prepare You for the Celebration 1. The official colors of Mardi Gras are purple (justice), gold (power) and green (faith). 2. Mardi Gras is also known as<br />Fat Tuesday because it’s the last day to<br />indulge before Lent, a 40 day fasting period. 3. Mobile, Alabama, was the first place<br />in the United States to celebrate Mardi Gras. 4. The first Mardi Gras parade<br />in New Orleans was in 1837. 5. The Carnival season starts on<br />January 6 and ends on Mardi Gras. 6. Mardi Gras is a state holiday in<br />Alabama, Florida and Louisiana. 7. It is illegal to ride on a float without a mask. 8. If you find a small plastic baby inside<br />your slice of king cake, you have to buy<br />the cake or host the party next year. 9. Parades and floats are organized by<br />social groups known as krewes. 10. Aside from beads, each krewe has a signature<br />"throw," such as hand painted coconuts.
