1. Festivals in Louisiana

2. A festival is a time or day of feasting or celebration usually established by customs or traditions. What is a festival?

3. Louisiana has over 400 annual fairs and festivals that occur throughout the year in different parts of the state. Louisiana Festivals

7. Presenting: The Most Well-Known Louisiana Festival… M a r d i G r a s

8. Mardi Gras ***Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday” ***Held every year in New Orleans, LA ***February or March ***Celebrates the final day before the Christian fast of Lent ***First parade held in 1837

9. Mardi Gras ***Colors are purple, green and gold ***Celebrations include parades with elaborately decorated floats ridden by costumed members who toss trinkets to the crowds ***”Throws” include strings of plastic beads, cups, doubloons, and more .

10. Benefits of Mardi Gras ***Draws 3 million (3,000,000) people ***Gains $1,000,000 billion for the local economy ***Educates local residents and tourists about Louisiana history and culture ***Allows residents time to celebrate personal heritage and traditions

11. Jazz and Heritage Festival

12. ***Held annually in New Orleans in April or May ***Celebrates the music of Louisiana and the music Louisiana has influenced including the following: Jazz Blues Funk Rock Cajun Zydeco ***Festivities include music and food as well as crafts, paintings, dancing and more Jazz and Heritage Fest