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Let the Good Times Roll … Mardi Gras in Rome

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Photo Credit:  Alessandro Bianchi/Reuters

The origin of Mardi Gras (known as Carnevale in Italy) can be traced back to ancient Rome.  A festival centered around rich foods, much drinking, music, performances, and all in all, much debauchery … is there any surprise it originated with the ancient Romans?  

It’s nice to live in a city and take part in celebrations that originated here so many centuries ago.  It’s kind of cool to think, “This is where it all began, and now I get to take part in the ancient celebrations.”  The thing is, I have been able to claim that all my life.  I’ve mentioned before that I’m from Alabama.  I grew up in Mobile, Alabama, the city where Mardi Gras originated in the United States.

The Mardi Gras celebrations in the United States derived from French Catholic influence.  King Louis XIV placed two brothers, Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville and Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, in charge of an expedition to defend France’s claim on what are now known as the U.S. states of Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi.  Bienville founded Mobile, Alabama, in 1702 and named it the capital of New France.  The beginning of Mardi Gras celebrations and traditions were celebrated in Mobile in 1703 by the French settlers.  The celebrations and traditions are still going strong today.


I grew up attending parades where decorated floats would slowly roll down the streets and the float riders would throw a variety of throws to the screaming crowd below.  The throws are mainly beads, but you can also catch plenty of candy, stuffed animals, plastic cups, decorative coins and moon pies.  Moon pies are pastries made from graham cracker cookies and filled with marshmallow.  They’re awesome (especially the chocolate ones), and they are normally only eaten during the time of Mardi Gras festivities each year.  Between the floats during the parades, you can usually see police riding along on horses and high school bands marching and performing along the parade route.  The energy level is high, and it is always great fun to attend a parade.       


Usually the goal is to see how many beads/necklaces you can catch and gather.  Also, the bigger the beads, the more impressive.  Silly yes, but tons of fun.  The official colors of Mardi Gras are purple (justice), gold (power) and green (faith).  Many of the beads and masks you will find will be decorated with these colors.  From my understanding, this is not a tradition with Carnevale in Italy.  
 

I know the festivities in Rome will not exactly be the same as what I grew up with, but I am looking forward to incorporating new traditions.  There will be horses, theatrical performances, beautiful costumes, rich food, plenty of drinking, music and much debauchery … just like home.  

As we say in the South, Laissez les bons temps rouler, or let the good times roll.  I leave you with a song that is played often during Mardi Gras in the South.  Eat, drink, be merry and enjoy this Mardi Gras/Carnevale season!