Q.  What is History of Mardi Gras and what does it mean?

 

A. Mardi Gras, French for Fat Tuesday, and is synonymous with unimagined revelry before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. The official Mardi Gras Season of Festivities begins annually on January 6, known as the Feast of the Epiphany, Twelfth Night or Three Kings' Day. Mardi Gras has long been a time of extravagant fun for Europeans, with much of the Mardi Gras celebrations mimicking the over-the-top revelry template of ancient Romans.  In the United States, Mardi Gras draws millions of fun-seekers to New Orleans alone every year, not to mention other popular cities with noted festivities. Mardi Gras has been celebrated in New Orleans on a grand scale, with masked bals and colorful parades, since French settlers arrived in the early 1700s.  New Orleans was established in 1718 by Bienville. By the 1730s, Mardi Gras was celebrated openly in New Orleans, but not with the parades we know today. In the early 1740s, Louisiana's governor, the Marquis de Vaudreuil, established elegant society balls, which became the model for the New Orleans and now, many other cities’ Mardi Gras Gala Masquerade Bals of today.  Across the world, many cities take pride in grande Mardi Gras celebrations and now in 2016, “Mardi Gras Dallas, It’s A Zoo.”

 

Q.  What exactly is Mardi Gras?

 

A. By All Accounts, Mardi Gras, is the most awesome, magical, fun-filled, over-the-top, theatrically appointed, Gala you have ever experienced.  It’s not a party, it’s a must witness for yourself experience.

 

Q.  What are the Colors of the Mardi Gras Season?

 

A. Though Mardi Gras is celebrated with a bursting Kaleidoscope of vivid and vivaciously bold colors, the official Mardi Gras colors and their essence are purple, denoting justice; green, denoting faith; and gold, denoting power. 

                               

Q. What You Can Expect at the Krewe de Etoile Gala Masquerade Bal?

 

A. Simply put, this over-the-top, off-the-chart gala is the grandest, most majestic and awe-inspiring evening of over-the-top production ever witnessed, and certainly ever attended.  The atmosphere will pour profusely, fun, fun and more fun and festivities, flanked by the loveliness of “All Things Beautiful.” 

 

Q. What Does One Wear to a Gala Masquerade Bal?

 

A. The Gala Masquerade Bal is an elegant, grande, formal affair appropriate attire is, (evening gowns, any color or  masquerade costumes [ladies] and tuxedos or masquerade costumes [men]).

 

Q. Why do People Wear Masks (Masques), and should you?

 

A. Masks (Masques) are an integral part of the Mardi Gras culture. During early Mardi Gras celebrations, hundreds of years ago, masques were a way for their wearers to escape class constraints and social demands.  A masque will add to your enjoyment, but it is not necessary.  Masques also enhance the festive spirit of the evening, and the attire. Stick masques are easy, and can be carried, and placed on table when not needed.  FYI:  The official Masque Cam Krewe will be perusing, waiting to Instagram their choice of the evening’s best masque, so don’t be surprised if it’s yours.   Finally, for God sake, it’s a Gala Masquerade Bal!!!

 

Q. What is The Tableau? (often spelled Tableaux)

 

A. The Tableau Masque portion of the formal evening is the time for presenting the Captain, and the King and Queen, and Royal Court in full regalia.  It will feature dance troupes royal salutes and theatricals that will amaze the audience with great enjoyment.  The splendor of the evening is truly realized during the Tableau Masque.   All guests and attendees are called to their seats as the Tableau is about to be presented.  The doors are to be closed and not reopened until end of Tableau, as this is the Krewe’s official royal and anticipated presentation.  Raise your arms, get your hands ready to catch, and your lungs ready to scream, “Hey, Throw me something Mister,” and that’s even if the thrower is a girl.  (Some things you just don’t try and change)  This is the time when guests are so blown away by the beauty of the production, and a time when one finally says, ‘OMG, so this is what Mardi Gras is all about.” After Tableau finishes, it time for dancing, second-line, music and grande partying.  THIS IS MARDI GRAS, AT ITS BEST.  

 

Q. Where and When is Krewe de Etoile's Gala Masquerade Bal?

 

A. Each year, a Press Conference will reveal a venue, date and theme, as well as, unveil the official themed poster.