How Well Do You Know The History Of Mardi Gras?

Every year, the tradition of Mardi Gras helps to kick off the Lenten season and usher in a new season. You may know a bit about Mardi Gras, but are you as keen on this tradition as you think you are? Let's find out!
START THE QUIZ!

Question 1/12

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What is the literal English translation of ‘Mardi Gras’?
Day of Excess
Mask of Glass
Fat Tuesday

Question 2/12

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In 1721, before the Louisiana Purchase brought New Orleans under American control, Bourbon Street was named for ...
A famed Creole pirate
The French ruling family
A local native tribe

Question 3/12

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The Mardi Gras colors of purple, green and gold were chosen in 1872. Each color has a meaning: Gold is power, purple is justice. What does green represent?
Fun
Fame
Faith

Question 4/12

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‘Laissez les bon temps rouler!’ is the rallying cry of Mardi Gras partiers. What does it mean?
Show me your beads!
Have another drink!
Let the good times roll!

Question 5/12

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How is the date of Fat Tuesday determined?
47 days before Easter
14 days before the spring equinox
47 days before Good Friday

Question 6/12

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Groups that create floats for the Mardi Gras parade are known as what?
Mummers
Mardigans
Krewes

Question 7/12

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True or False: The first organised Mardi Gras celebration in America took place in New Orleans.
True
False

Question 8/12

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What medieval tradition can Mardi Gras be traced back to?
Feasting before the arrival of lent.
The throwing of trinkets by children.
A celtic Catholic festival.

Question 9/12

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In New Orleans, krewes throw coins that are specifically minted for the parade. What are these coins called?
Nola Nickels
French Quarters
Dubloons

Question 10/12

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What is Mardi Gras known as in the Christian calendar?
Ash Wednesday
Shrove Tuesday
Big Monday

Question 11/12

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Traditionally, what is baked inside a King Cake?
A jeweled crown
A toy baby
A plastic ring

Question 12/12

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True or false: In New Orleans, carnival season begins on Epiphany, also known as Three Kings Day.
True
False
Don't bust out the king cake in celebration just yet! You've still got a lot to learn about this traditional celebration and those that have made it possible year after year. There's more to Mardi Gras than beads! Take what you learned from this quiz and keep no building!

C+, Mardi Gras Mundane

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Right!
You know that there's more to Mardi Gras than just beads and bourbon street! In fact, you're well versed on the complete history of this celebration. From the first floats to the music that jives, you know Mardi Gras history well!

B+, Mardi Gras Maverick

publicdomainpictures.net
Right!
It's obvious that Mardi Gras isn't just some passing celebration in your life, it is a truly important tradition that you hold dear. From the earliest Mardi Gras parades to the modern takes on this old school celebration, you know the history of Mardi Gras as only the true locals can!

A+, Mardi Gras Mastery

picryl.com
Right!
1
What is the literal English translation of ‘Mardi Gras’?
Day of Excess
Mask of Glass
Fat Tuesday
2
In 1721, before the Louisiana Purchase brought New Orleans under American control, Bourbon Street was named for ...
A famed Creole pirate
The French ruling family
A local native tribe
3
The Mardi Gras colors of purple, green and gold were chosen in 1872. Each color has a meaning: Gold is power, purple is justice. What does green represent?
Fun
Fame
Faith
4
‘Laissez les bon temps rouler!’ is the rallying cry of Mardi Gras partiers. What does it mean?
Show me your beads!
Have another drink!
Let the good times roll!
5
How is the date of Fat Tuesday determined?
47 days before Easter
14 days before the spring equinox
47 days before Good Friday
6
Groups that create floats for the Mardi Gras parade are known as what?
Mummers
Mardigans
Krewes
7
True or False: The first organised Mardi Gras celebration in America took place in New Orleans.
True
False
8
What medieval tradition can Mardi Gras be traced back to?
Feasting before the arrival of lent.
The throwing of trinkets by children.
A celtic Catholic festival.
9
In New Orleans, krewes throw coins that are specifically minted for the parade. What are these coins called?
Nola Nickels
French Quarters
Dubloons
10
What is Mardi Gras known as in the Christian calendar?
Ash Wednesday
Shrove Tuesday
Big Monday
11
Traditionally, what is baked inside a King Cake?
A jeweled crown
A toy baby
A plastic ring
12
True or false: In New Orleans, carnival season begins on Epiphany, also known as Three Kings Day.
True
False