Mardi Gras takes place before Ash Wednesday. The date for Mardi Gras changes each year because it moves with Ash Wednesday and Easter. In 2021, it will be in February 16 through March 1, in 2022. Considered as a public holiday in Louisiana, it is also celebrated in other states at smaller scale, including in Florida and California. This annual event is an opportunity for the whole family to spend quality time and have fun.
With that in mind, we are going to take a look at some fun things that children can do to celebrate Mardi Gras:
Make DIY Masks- when enjoying Mardi Gras, people love to dress up with their unique costumes. Keep the masquerade tradition alive by making and donning attractive masks. Children can make masks from paper plates, colourful tape, and clear plastic. The more glitter and feathers, the better.
Bake A King Cake With Parents- a King cake is a New Orleans tradition, often baked during Mardi Gras. It’s fun for children to make the dough and decorate the cake. The braided, large pastry is covered in icing with traditional Mardi Gras colours, like gold, green, and purple. Based on tradition, a plastic baby is placed into the dough. Anyone who got a slice with the small baby inside will get special privileges.
Form Krewes- it’s a popular activity during the Mardi Gras event. Krewe is a group of people who participate to organise Mardi Gras parades. Children can form their own krewe, with names like Krewe of Orpheus and Krewe of Endymion. It is a good activity for children to socialise and work together.
Make Necklaces- during Mardi Gras, it is also common to wear plastic bead necklaces. It is easy for children to create attractive necklaces that they can wear during the event. Choose different plastic beads and use nylon fishing line for the necklace. Find supplies in a local craft store. Children can get creative when making colourful necklaces.
Enjoy Beignets- other than King cake, warm beignets are also commonly eaten during Mardi Gras. The whole family can start the day by eating this baked product with its French twist. Traditional beignets are puffy with a crisp exterior and slightly doughy inside. It’s usually consumed with powdered sugar. Instead of buying beignets from local bakeries, families can also make them at home.
Attend Parades- in New Orleans, the whole family can attend various parades. As an example, Krewe of Barkus organises a dog parade that takes place about two weeks before Fat Tuesday. A few days before Fat Tuesday, there’s another big parade, called Thoth on Magazine Street, New Orleans.
To learn more fun ways that kids can celebrate Mardi Gras, contact FunLab today.
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