Mardi Gras Quiz

1. A float designer wants one section to represent justice using an official Mardi Gras color. Which color should be featured?

2. Which statement best explains the relationship between Carnival and Mardi Gras?

3. If Ash Wednesday falls on March 5 in a particular year, on what date is Mardi Gras?

4. What does the French expression “Mardi Gras” literally mean in English?

5. In Mardi Gras tradition, what is a “krewe”?

6. A krewe decorates a crown to symbolize power. Which traditional Mardi Gras color best matches that meaning?

7. Which Mardi Gras throw is a lightweight coin-like token, often stamped with a krewe’s emblem?

8. What royal title is traditionally associated with Rex, one of New Orleans’ best-known Carnival organizations?

9. A Mardi Gras invitation uses green to highlight one of the celebration’s traditional symbolic values. Which value does green represent?

10. A traveler wants to experience a long-established Mardi Gras tradition in Alabama. Which city should be on the itinerary?

11. Spectators shout “Throw me something, mister!” as a float passes. What are they asking for?

12. A visitor arrives in New Orleans on January 6 and sees the first king cakes and Carnival decorations appearing. What does that date traditionally mark?

13. In the Western Christian calendar, when does Mardi Gras occur?

14. At a traditional nighttime parade, people carry blazing torches that once helped illuminate the route. What are these torch carriers called?

15. Which New Orleans Mardi Gras organization is especially associated with decorated coconut throws?

16. Someone finds the small baby figurine in a king cake at a New Orleans gathering. Under a common local custom, what might that person be expected to do?