No matter what time of year, a Mardi Gras party is a great way to reinforce creativity and community

Mardi Gras, meaning "Fat Tuesday" in French, is a vibrant and indulgent celebration held on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent. This pre-Lenten revelry, with its roots in European traditions, has found its most iconic expression in New Orleans, Louisiana. More than just a party, Mardi Gras is a cultural phenomenon, a time for community, creativity, and uninhibited joy. This guide will equip you with everything you need to bring the magic of Mardi Gras to your next corporate event.

Understanding the Roots of the Celebration

Mardi Gras's origins can be traced back to ancient Roman festivals like Saturnalia and Lupercalia, celebrations of feasting, masquerades, and social role reversal. These traditions evolved and spread through Europe, eventually arriving in New Orleans with French colonists in the 17th and 18th centuries. The city's unique blend of cultures – French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean – transformed these European customs into the spectacular and distinctive celebration we know today.

Setting the Scene: Decor and Ambiance

The Colors of Carnival: Purple, green, and gold are the official colors of Mardi Gras, each carrying symbolic weight. Purple represents justice, green signifies faith, and gold embodies power. These colors, adopted by the Rex parade in 1892, were inspired by heraldry, using gold as a royal metal, purple as a symbol of royalty due to its historical rarity, and green to represent hope and prosperity. Incorporate these colors into every aspect of your décor, from tablecloths and draping to lighting and floral arrangements.
Creating a French Quarter Vibe: Transform your venue into a miniature French Quarter. Use string lights, lanterns, and wrought iron accents to evoke the charm of New Orleans' historic streets. Consider projected images or backdrops of iconic French Quarter architecture.
Centerpieces with Flair: Your centerpieces should be more than just decorations; they should tell a story. Miniature street lamps, masks, beads, doubloons, and feathered arrangements in Mardi Gras colors are excellent choices.
Music to Move Your Soul: Music is the heartbeat of Mardi Gras. Hire a live jazz band, a zydeco group, or a DJ specializing in New Orleans music to set the tone for the event. A mix of traditional jazz, lively zydeco, and contemporary party hits will keep the energy high.

The Feast

No Mardi Gras celebration is complete without authentic New Orleans cuisine.
King Cake: This sweet, cinnamon-filled cake with a hidden plastic baby is a Mardi Gras staple. The baby symbolizes the baby Jesus, and whoever finds it is traditionally responsible for hosting the next party or bringing the next king cake.
Po'boys: These iconic sandwiches, filled with everything from roast beef to fried shrimp, are a must-have.
Beignets: These square, fried dough pastries, dusted with powdered sugar, are the perfect sweet treat.
Jambalaya: This flavorful rice dish, with its mix of meats, vegetables, and spices, is a true New Orleans classic.
Raw Seafood Bar: Oysters, shrimp, and crawfish are popular choices for a raw bar, adding a touch of Louisiana flavor.

Cocktails with a Kick

The Hurricane: This rum-based cocktail, with its blend of passion fruit, orange, and lime juice, is a New Orleans institution. Legend has it that the Hurricane was invented at Pat O'Brien's bar during World War II, when rum was plentiful and whiskey was scarce.
The Sazerac: This sophisticated cocktail, considered by many to be the official drink of New Orleans, has a complex history. Originally made with cognac, it later transitioned to rye whiskey. The modern Sazerac also includes absinthe (or Herbsaint), Peychaud's bitters, sugar, and a lemon peel garnish.

Entertainment and Activities

The Grand Parade: No Mardi Gras party is complete without a parade! Adapt the traditional street parade to your ballroom setting.
Miniature Floats: Encourage teams to create their own tabletop floats using cardboard, craft supplies, and decorations. Wagons or carts can be used for larger, more elaborate creations.
King and Queen: Elect a King and Queen to lead the parade. This can be done through a pre-event contest or a fun selection process during the party.
Throws: Beads are a must! But also consider other fun throws like doubloons (customized with your company logo), small toys, and candy. Ensure all throws are light and safe for indoor use.
Second Line: Incorporate a traditional "second line" procession. Provide guests with handkerchiefs or parasols to wave as they follow the parade.
Masquerade Magic: Masks are essential to the Mardi Gras experience. Provide guests with masks or host a mask-making station.

Interactive Fun

Photo Booth: Set up a photo booth with Mardi Gras-themed props.
Tarot Card Readings: Hire a tarot card reader to add an element of mystery and fun.
Face Painting: Offer face painting with Mardi Gras designs.
Casino Games: Casino games like poker or blackjack can add a touch of friendly competition.
Costume Contest: Encourage guests to dress up in their most creative Mardi Gras costumes. Award prizes for the best costumes.
Costumed Performers: Hire stilt walkers, jugglers, or other costumed performers to add to the festive atmosphere.

General Advice

Early Planning is Key: Start planning well in advance to secure your venue, entertainment, and catering.
Theme Consistency: Ensure all elements of your event – from the décor to the food to the entertainment – align with your chosen theme.
Budgeting: Set a budget and stick to it. Prioritize the elements that are most important to you.
Communication: Communicate clearly with your vendors and staff to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Have Fun! The most important ingredient for a successful Mardi Gras party is a spirit of fun and celebration. Encourage your guests to let loose, embrace the festive atmosphere, and enjoy the moment.

By following this guide, you can create a truly memorable and authentic Mardi Gras experience for your corporate group, bringing the vibrant spirit of New Orleans to your next event. Laissez les bons temps rouler! (Let the good times roll!)

Any thoughts, opinions, or news? Please share them with me at vince@meetingsevents.com.

Photo by Carol M. Highsmith