Mardi Gras, known colloquially as Fat Tuesday or Carnival, is celebrated the day before Lent, the Christian fasting period that precedes Easter. This year, Mardi Gras falls on Feb. 21. Grand parties featuring lavish parades and fattening foods occur around the world, with the largest Mardi Gras parade in the United States held in New Orleans, Louisiana. Many other celebrations are held in cities influenced by French, Italian and German cultures. If you don’t have the money or time to make your way out to one of these parties, here are five things you can do to observe Mardi Gras from the comfort of your own home.

1. Watch a livestream of the parade

In New Orleans, Mardi Gras parades usually start around the beginning of January and take place through February, all the way until Fat Tuesday. During the numerous parades, dozens of floats ride down the French Quarter and other notable parts of town. You can watch the parade from anywhere you’d like with the Mardi Gras cam — a livestream that is constantly filming and has a wide range of coverage in New Orleans. 

2. Make a fun meal

There are a variety of foods traditionally eaten during Mardi Gras, many of which are Cajun or Creole dishes originating from Louisiana. Gumbo is a soup that typically has shrimp, okra and sausage in it, as well as a meat stock base. There’s also jambalaya, which is made with andouille sausage, chicken and shrimp served over rice. You can find recipes for all sorts of fun Cajun-style meals on the internet! Making these dishes is a great way to get in touch with your inner chef and engage in New Orleans traditions.

3. Get a king cake

A king cake is a traditional cake served on Mardi Gras. It is a cinnamon-flavored, bready cake topped with icing as well as purple, gold and green sprinkles — the colors associated with Mardi Gras. There is also a small, plastic baby or bean baked or hidden inside, and whoever receives the slice with the baby is considered lucky. The recipient also has to host the next year’s celebration! The king cake is served to represent and honor the coming of the three biblical kings. They can be found at your local grocery stores around the time of the holiday — just take a look in the bakery section! You can also make one at home, from scratch or with a mix. Here is an easy recipe for king cake that only takes half an hour!

4. Create a Mardi Gras mask

Part of the fun of Mardi Gras is dressing up in masks and beads — many masks being feathered and sparkly so you can stand out amongst the crowd. In the 1700s, people wore masks on Mardi Gras so they could be whoever they want to be without judgment, regardless of social standing. Today, people wear them for fun and to honor the historic tradition.  Here are some free mask templates you can print out! You can cut them out and color them at home or you can decorate them with little gemstones and craft feathers from your local craft store!

5. Hold your own masquerade party

If you combine all four things above and dress up in Mardi Gras attire, you and your friends could have your very own masquerade ball! You could even make it a potluck masquerade, where everyone brings their own dishes and costumes. Put on some funky jazz music or a movie and spend some time with your friends and family. Mardi Gras is fun for all!  

Edited by Ever Cole | ecole@themaneater.com

Copy Edited by Kyla Pehr and Grace Knight