Did you know that the first Mardi Gras Parade in New Orleans was on February 24, 1857? Mardi Gras has been a tradition for Louisianians for over 160 years, and it’s incredible to think about how much has changed (and what’s stayed the same). As you may have noticed from the surge of king cakes on every countertop and grocery store you come across, we are heading into the height of Carnival Season. With Mardi Gras on February 21, 2023, we thought we’d take a look back at some of the oldest Mardi Gras photos and see how much has changed. 

Here's King Rex rolling down Camp Street in 1906.
Detroit Publishing/Wikimedia
Notice how the floats are pulled by mules!
And here's the Rex float in 2012.
Infrogmation/Flickr
A few upgrades, mainly the tractor, but overall the design of Rex's float hasn't changed much!
Look at the crowds for this Rex parade.
Detroit Publishing/Wikimedia
Folks use the steps of Gallier Hall in 1906 to get a better view.
Detroit Publishing/Wikimedia

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Music has always been a cornerstone of Mardi Gras, and this band marching in a parade in 1908 proves it.
Alexander Allison/Wikimedia
But holy smokes, check out the crowds at Rex in the 1930s!
WPA/Wikimedia
This appears to be on St. Charles. You can't tell where the parade ends and the crowd begins!
Around the '70s and '80s, "Mardi Gras ladders" were born, and many of us have memories of being hoisted to the top of these ladders as kids.
Infrogmation/Wikimedia
This was the moment you figured out if you were scared of heights.
Costumes have also always been a part of the festivities.
Jambalaya/Wikimedia 1916
Originally, the masks and costumes were intended as a way to seamlessly blur socio-economic classes. Everyone leveled out and no one would know who anyone was.
This group of friends in 1936 is just timeless.
WPA/Wikimedia
Just about every Louisianian has a Mardi Gras picture similar to this one. Just you and your own krewe celebrating Mardi Gras!

Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Now that you’re in the Mardi Gras spirit, here’s the Mardi Gras parade schedule for New Orleans.

While Mardi Gras is celebrated all over the state, you may be surprised to hear about how Cajun Mardi Gras got started.

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