Some History Regarding The Mardi Gras Beads

The trinkets thrown from the Mardi Gras parade floats are part of one of many traditions. There are some differing ideas on when it started but general opinion is that they are a more recent introduction to the celebrations, starting around the 1920's with the Rex street parades. 

An industry has grown over the years with manufacturers coming up with all types of beads to be tossed to the eager crowds. In addition to the traditional purple, green and gold Mardi Gras colors the beads can also come in all sorts of designs as well as other colors. It still amazes me how excited people from all over the world get to be able to show off wearing what they managed to catch. That includes me, of course, lol!

If you want to find out more about the Mardi Gras colors, click here to check out one of my previous posts.

The trinkets can include not only beads but also plastic cups, doubloons, which are printed coins, and small stuffed animals. Bead strands have gotten longer and more of the throws are now customized with the different krewe names and logos. The krewes need to purchase their throws at least 6-8 months in advance of the parade schedule. 

Another throw, that's actually unique to the Krewe of Zulu, is the coconut. Originally they were tossed out into the crowd, but for safety reasons, an actual "coconut bill" was initiated by the local officials so that they're now handed out instead. It's one of the most sought after Mardi Gras souvenirs. Want to read more, click here.

Also click here to check out my post on catching Mardi Gras beads at the parades.

Thanks for reading, feel free to leave comments below.


Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl