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