How did all this Mardi Gras craziness get its start? Check it out here:

The earliest reference to Mardi Gras “Carnival” was in a 1781 report to the Spanish colonial governing body.

But it wasn’t until 1872 that a group of businessmen invented a King of Carnival, Rex, as well as introducing the Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold, the Mardi Gras song, and the Mardi Gras flag.

The parade throws, where people toss trinkets into the crowd during the parades, started in the early 1870s and continues on today. In 1884, Rex started throwing out medallions instead of little trinkets. These doubloons have become a sought after trophy from the parades.

Want to check out the schedule for this years Mardi Gras? Check it out here:

http://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/schedule.html

Going to Mardi Gras and looking for a place to park? Check this out:

http://www.parkwhiz.com/mardi-gras-parking/