Mardi Gras Beads

Catching More Mardi Gras Beads, Having More Fun.

One of the great pleasures of watching the Mardi Gras parade – no, make that participating in the colorful parade New Orleans is famously known for – is the collection of Mardi beads. Yes, you can purchase these colorful Mardi beads with all sorts of tiny masks, medallions and pirate coins hanging off their ends at online sites and boutiques but still, there is no thrill like having them thrown your way by the float riders.

Mardi Gras Lobster Beads

And we don’t mean having to flash your upper private parts just to do so! Remember your children are around so you must behave for them and show them how to collect the Carnival beads the good, clean and fun way.

Location, Location, Location

Before the Mardi Gras celebration, it pays to research on and scout out the good locations along the parade route. Usually, New Orleans officials will post the parade route so you basically have an idea where to park your car early on during the parade day itself. This way, you have more chances of attracting the attention of the float riders who throw the Mardi beads.

Just keep in mind that there are certain areas of the French Quarter in New Orleans that you should avoid when children are with you because of the more boisterous celebrations happening there. Instead, opt for the St. Charles Garden District for more family-friendly celebrations.

If possible, you should position your car in an area where you can walk a couple of blocks more to catch the parade again. You can collect more colorful beads in this manner.

Make Your Own Float

Mardi Gras Pirate Medallion Beads

And speaking of car, you can draw attention to it and, hence, earn the appreciation of the float riders through more Mardi Gras beads thrown your way. You can use inexpensive materials like fabric swatches, crepe paper, ribbons, old masks and other ornamental touches in the Mardi colors of purple, green and gold.

You can also play festive music from your car especially Mardi Gras mixes, which can be purchased for cheap at stores. Or you can play other types of music, even the Louisiana State University or Tulane University fight song. Now, watch as the beads go your way!

Be One of Them

The best way you can attract more beads to come flying your way is, of course, to be one with the festivities. You need not wear an elaborate Madi Gras costume if you are not so inclined since even inexpensive beads, a crazy hat and colorful mask are sufficient. If possible, you should always make an effort to provide an appropriate Mardi Gras costume for your children out of affordable fabrics of purple, green and gold.

Mardi Gras Rose Beads

Plus, it never did hurt anybody to shout “Throw me something, mister” at the float riders. It is tradition and you are bound to get a string of beads, if only for the sake of tradition. The important thing is that you actually get the attention of the Mardi Gras float riders who ought to be able to throw you one of those authentic, collectible beads.

At the end of the day, you should have collected so many Mardi Gras beads that your neck will be so heavily and colorfully laden with them! Now is the time to appreciate and share your loot.

Filed under: Mardi Gras Costumes