Mardi Gras is known as a day of carnival, when people dress up, have parades, dance, eat, drink, and stay up late. Mardi Gras means “Fat Tuesday” in French. The name “Fat Tuesday” comes from the ancient custom of parading a fattened ox through the streets of Paris, France, at the beginning of the celebration, which precedes Lent. Mardi Gras (also known as Shrove Tuesday) is celebrated by some people who see it as a last party before Lent. While Mardi Gras is celebrated in many places around the world, including: New Orleans, Louisiana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (where it is called Carnival); Nice, France; and others it may not be directly celebrated where you live. But if you want to indulge in some Mardi Gras fun there are plenty of crafts to help you get the party started. Keep in mind that while you are making crafts the traditional New Orleans Mardi Gras colors are purple, green and gold.
Sweet Necklaces or bracelets-These sweet and cute crafts can stand in for the traditional beads that are thrown during Mardi Gras.
What you will need:
- Licorice whips-measured and cut for necklaces or bracelets
- Cereal or candy that can be strung onto the licorice
Instructions for the project-Simply have the kids string the cereal or candy onto the licorice and tie the ends for the necklace or bracelet.
Variation: If you want to make a change or have a child that cannot have candy consider using multi-colored pasta and cord. Just make sure that you pick a shape of pasta that can be strung.