Each year, more than 4 million people come to New Orleans from around the world to be part of what is often billed as the "greatest free party on Earth" -- Mardi Gras!


Mardi Gras, also called Carnival in some countries, is celebrated internationally. We're going to focus here on the festivities in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Beginning in January, the city of New Orleans starts a variety of festivities that culminate with Mardi Gras Day, or Fat Tuesday -- the day before Ash Wednesday and Lent. For about two weeks before Fat Tuesday, residents and visitors alike enjoy dozens of parades with imaginative floats bearing costumed party-goers, who toss colored beads and other trinkets into the cheering crowds. The parties continue into the night as revelers seek out distinctive "Nawlins" music as well as Cajun and Creole food.

Most of us have heard of New Orleans' famous French Quarter, but many of us have no idea what Mardi Gras celebrates. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the origins and traditions of Mardi Gras. We'll also look at some ways to enjoy Mardi Gras both in New Orleans and at home.

Mardi Gras Mask Inspiration - Create Your Own

I have a great collection of Mardi Gras Masks I have collected over the years. I keep thinking someday I will have a party and put them to good use. We use to attend a great fundraiser every year on Fat Tuesday for Epilepsy. It was such a great party and the decoration were always a treat. With a little time and a trip to the craft store I am sure many can be made from scratchMake your own masks. Find these ideas and instructions at Martha Stewart.

Feathers and paper masks

Using silk flowers and a hot glue gun create this beautiful flower petal
Oak Leaf and Silver Dollar Masks

You need:
Two paper plates
pencil
scissors
PVA glue and brush
Acrylic paint and brush
Raffia
6 paper fasteners
Electrical tape
Colored sticky tape
(any shade of purple or green)
Elastic
1 small plastic lid

Hold one of the paper plates up to your face and ask an adult to mark eye holes. Cut out the eye holes. On the back of the plate, paint your clown face. Allow the paint to dry.

Draw a triangular hat and bow tie one the remaining paper plate. Cut them out. Paint and decorate the hat and bow tie with paint and colored electrical tape or, you can use colored foils and ribbons instead. Finish the hat with a tassel of raffia. Attach the raffia with electrical tape.

To make the clown's nose, use the plastic lid from a tube of sweets or plastic juice container. Mix a little PVA glue into some red paint and paint the nose. When dry, glue the nose on to the clown's face. Use PVA glue to stick on the hat and bow tie. Allow glue to dry.

Push a paper fastener through a pan scrubber and position it near the top edge of the plate. Push the paper fastener through the plate and flatten the fasteners. Attach the remaining pan scrubbers in the same way.

Make a small hole in each side of the mask. Tie the elastic to one hole, then fit the mask before tying the elastic to the other hole.
And the Coco is ready to don your face.

This unique latex mask offers some separate dreadlocks, deluxe paint job and closed mouth mandible so the Predator Helmet can fit into place. Removable plastic faceplate also included, covers face of mask only, and is held in place by elastic bands. One size fits most adults. This is an officially licensed Alien vs. PredatorTM product. Remember the hands to complete the look!


nice collector's piece, BAD for those making a costume, May 23, 2008

First off let me emphasize how utterly HUGE this mask is. Anyone that has seen the Predator movies knows that the Predator is a large creature, and this mask and head are no exception. Even though they have put foam inside to try and accommodate a normal sized head, it is to no avail since the mask is simply too big for a person to put on.
Secondly, for those trying to make a costume, this mask lacks the Predator's signature dreadlocks. There are four dreadlocks that hang loosely, but the rest just form the back section of the mask and do little to impress.

For those looking to collect items of exceptional detail, this is a wonderful piece. The latex face and the exterior mask are nicely painted, and the sheer size is enough to impress.

While it’s a good idea to provide Mardi Gras beads for guests when they come in the door, take the tradition a step further by letting guests make masquerade-style Mardi Gras masks. Part costume, part disguise, masks have long been used to transform people and allow individuality as well as anonymity.

Purchase simple unadorned masks as well as feathers, sequins, jewels, ribbon, beads and other embellishments. Provide glitter gel pens and colorful markers for guests to draw fine designs on the masks. Think outside the traditional embellishments; even shaped craft foam can transform a plain old mask into a work of art. Use self-adhesive items when you can or else provide fast-drying white glue so guests can don the masks as soon as possible to keep the party atmosphere alive.

If the party is for adults, consider a mask-making station in one section of the party area. You can have everything all set up and guests can simply assemble what they want as the party goes on. For a teen party or child’s party, make mask decorating part of the activities of the party. It’s a good transition activity from active games to calming the room down. Or, make masks first, then play games while they dry and then guests can wear them for the rest of the party.

You can make elaborate Mardi Gras masks before the party and pass them out to guests along with beads as they enter the party venue. When you have more time to create the masks, you can really go all out. Rather than purchase cheap plastic masks, make your own out of rich fabrics such as velvet, lace and satin. Get creative with shapes; hearts, stars, cat’s eye and masquerade style all work for Mardi Gras masks. Adorn them with beaded ribbons and elaborate feather arrangements. Guests can choose their mask when they arrive, and take the hand crafted Mardi Gras masks home as party favors.

Include handmade masks as part of your Mardi Gras decorations. Decorated masks transform walls and doorways into festive displays of color and sparkle. Go all out and make plaster Mardi Gras masks. Use traditional papier mâché techniques to create a variety of half and full masks. Let them dry before painting