History
New Orleans
Throughout the history of Europe, there is evidence of the celebration of Mardi Gras. The New Orleans version descended most directly from France. On Mardi Gras, 1699, the French explorer, Iberville, camped near the mouth of the Mississippi River and named the site “Point Mardi Gras.” Some adaptation of the Parisian festival was probably introduced to North America shortly after New Orleans was settled in 1718. Under French rule, masked balls and private parties flourished but were later prohibited by the Spanish governors. The ban continued when Creole populace prevailed upon the American governors, and by 1823, balls were again permitted and street masking was legalized in 1827.
"Information provided by the Greater New Orleans Tourist & Convention Commission, Inc."
Ark-La-Tex
Early in 1989, Chamber of Commerce President Bob Taylor turned to Cary Petty, Vice President of Business Development, and said, “Cary, Bossier needs a festival or event that it can get behind in a big way.” Needless to say, Bob did not realize how seriously Cary took him. At about the same time, Lt. Governor Paul Hardy had released his plans for a statewide promotion called “Open House 1990.” Freda Urban suggested that, “Mardi Gras would be successful in our area.” Well, as they say, “the rest is history.” With the formation of the Krewe of Gemini, committees were formed , logos were designed, throws were ordered, floats were designed, a media party was set, a Mardi Gras Bal was planned for February 17, 1990, and a huge parade featuring twelve Mardi Gras floats took to the streets of Shreveport -Bossier City on February 24, 1990. From an idea to reality, Shreveport-Bossier can now claim one of the biggest and, we believe, one of the most successful celebrations in our area. Our thanks to Cary Petty, Freda Urban, and all those many volunteers from both sides of the river who are working so hard to make Mardi Gras in the Ark-La-Tex successful.
Religious Significance
Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) is always the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent. It’s a time for parties, parades, bals and celebrations of all kind before Lenten religious observations begin. Officially, the Carnival Season begins on the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6, the Twelfth Night after Christmas. Epiphany celebrates the day the Three Kings visited the Christ Child and recognized Him as the Messiah. A popular Mardi Gras pastry also arrives on the Twelfth Night. Called “King Cakes,” these coffeecake type pastries are decorated in Mardi Gras colors and only appear from this day until Mardi Gras Day (although some bakeries now make them available for shipping year round). A tiny plastic doll is baked into the cake, and by tradition, the person who receives the piece of cake with the doll inside must host the next party or bring the next King Cake to the home or office.
