Mardi Gras Throws Highly Prized Mardi Gras Souvenirs

Mardi Gras Throws - Highly Prized Mardi Gras Souvenirs

The Mardi Gras Parades always attract thousands of people. They will line the streets to watch the parade and score some colorful “loot”. There are always a wide assortment of fun items like plastic beads, toys and other trinkets that are given out on Fat Tuesday. These are all known as Mardi Gras throws. Every year there will be hundreds of people who even compete to see who can collect the most “booty” during a parade.

Marid Gras throws are tossed out by costumed Krewe members who are riding on the different floats. During a parade, you will see spectators jostle for the best position. You will also hear almost everyone yell out the traditional plea, “Throw me something, Mister!” Most people find that if they have their hands up in the air, they can almost always grab at least one of the coveted throws.

First time visitors to a Mardi Gras parade are usually surprised to see just how many throws are available. Even the King and Queen have their own tokens to toss from their floats. Parade watchers are always eager to see what these royal members have brought to give to the crowds. Kings and Queens are responsible for their own signature Mardi Gras throws, which are often special goblets. Because these are less common, they are always highly prized souvenirs.

The Krewe of Rex began tossing out inexpensive glass beads during the 1920s and the custom was an instant hit. Other Krewes followed their lead and soon all of the groups were flinging their own throws to the eager crowds lining the streets. Today, this parade loot is a huge highlight for the thousands of people who will be in attendance.

The multi colored beaded necklaces have always been popular and you will hear squeals of delight as these are snagged in mid air. Most of the Krewes will have some of these on hand to reward the crowds. People will loop all of these colorful strands around their necks and continue to wear them throughout the remainder of the day.

The Zulu coconut is one of the rarest and highly prized of all Mardi Gras throws. These coconuts are hand decorated and considered to be a top trophy. You don’t have to worry about missing the toss and getting bumped on your head. The Zulu Krewe hand the coconuts out in bags to lucky people along the parade route.

Some of the other throws are small plastic cups and toys. Colorful frisbees are another favorite for the enthusiastic spectators. Everyone likes to participate in keeping some of these flying discs sailing overhead as the rest of the parade passes. Another of the traditional Mardi Gras throws are the thousands of plastic doubloons that shine and glitter like golden rain as they are tossed from the floats.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dianna Yvonne Smith is a consultant and expert in several areas of internet marketing. She has published articles and e-books in the family, home, fitness, business and cooking categories. She is a Cajun cooking enthusiast. Find out why New Orleans during Mardi Gras is the place to be! Visit Cooking New Orleans Style for more information about the Mardi Gras Celebration and free Cajun recipes.