Mardi Gras is a holiday known for its colorful parades, intricate and extravagant floats, and endless beaded necklaces. People celebrate Mardi Gras all across the globe between February 3rd and March 6th. Mardi Gras is a widely observed holiday, with parades and other means of acknowledging the holiday taking place worldwide. Places such as Brazil, Italy, and France are just some countries that partake in Mardi Gras celebrations. Whether it be parades or night-long parties, Mardi Gras is a time full of indulgence and festivity!

Although the city of New Orleans is often associated with the holiday, Mardi Gras has origins dating back to medieval Europe. Mardi Gras started as a holiday commemorated by European Christians, signifying the beginnings of Lent. They used this time as a preparation period in anticipation of fasting over the Easter holiday.

Over time, the holiday has left Europe, with the first American Mardi Gras festivities in Mobile, Alabama. Subsequently, it was introduced to New Orleans over one hundred years later! With Mardi Gras being one of the world’s most well-known festivals, New Orleans Mardi Gras festivities attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to Louisiana’s most significant city annually!

This year, Brandon commemorated the holiday with an annual parade! Downtown Brandon became glittered with various decorative floats, and people lined the sidewalks to celebrate Mardi Gras. BHS and BMS band students also participated in the parade. BHS’s art department helped with the festivities by painting their float. We are excited to continue the Mardi Gras celebrations again next year and see how everyone indulges in the festivities!