1. Throw a Mardi Gras Party



Mardi Gras is all about celebrating, so why not throw a party for you & your friends? Yes, it's on a Tuesday, but this is a legitimate excuse to party! Even if you do something with a small group, you'll all have a great time. Bring masks, beads, play good music, & eat lots of food. The purpose of the day is to indulge in life's pleasures, so do just that with some of your favorite people!

2. Bake a King Cake



A King Cake is a huge Mardi Gras tradition that is a fun experience as well as delicious. The cake, which is round & looks like a wreath, is symbolic of a crown. It's thought that the cake was brought to America by the French around 1870. Typically, the cake is made with a French dough or brioche, then topped with sugar & frosting, resembling a mix of a pastry & coffee cake.

Beware! There is a tiny plastic baby toy inside the cake. Whoever gets the baby in their slice becomes the "king" for the day. Bake one with this recipe from Brown Eyed Baker, & serve it at a party, or keep it all for yourself. 

3. Find a Nearby Celebration



The seven-piece band Tubaluba will serve up some horn-driven funk, soul, & R&B for a lively Mardi Gras celebration alongside funk orchestra Unsinkable Heavies at Fremont's Nectar Lounge.
Buy tickets & find out more here!

There are many events happening throughout Seattle for Mardi Gras.
Here is a list of a number of events happening this week.

4. Make a Giant Feast



Fat Tuesday received its name because you're supposed to eat...a lot. Take advantage of this glorious day by making a giant feast for yourself or you & your friends. Don't forget to include lots of New Orleans favorites, like jambalaya, cornbread, gumbo, muffuletta, & red beans & rice. Then just eat, eat, eat!

5. Learn About the History & Traditions



Today, we might know Mardi Gras as a huge party. We might think about it in terms of getting beads, or just a reason to party on a Tuesday night.... but this is a holiday that has been around for a very long time, with lots of history & traditions.

Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday”. It's also called Shrove Tuesday, Carnival Tuesday, or Pancake Tuesday, depending on where the celebration is taking place. It is the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of Christian Lent season leading up to Easter. During Lent, many Christians fast or give up certain foods, & the name “Fat Tuesday” refers to the last day of eating richer foods before the 40 days of Lent begin.

For non-religious people, Mardi Gras represents parades, parties, masks, & eating lots of good food.

6. Wear Green, Gold, & Purple



The official colors of Mardi Gras are green, gold, & purple, which all hold a deeper significance. Green is said to represent faith, purple represents justice, & gold represents power. If you don't have time to celebrate the holiday with food or a party, simply change up your wardrobe to feature these colors.