75 Mardi Gras Trivia Questions and Answers
Mardi Gras, also known as “Fat Tuesday,” is a lively celebration marked by parades, parties, vibrant costumes, and delicious food. Whether you’re attending a grand parade in New Orleans or simply joining the festivities at home, Mardi Gras brings people together in a spirit of fun and revelry.
If you’re a fan of trivia and want to impress your friends with your knowledge of this iconic celebration, you’ve come to the right place! Below, we’ve compiled some exciting and challenging Mardi Gras trivia questions and answers to test your knowledge.
1. What is the meaning of the term “Mardi Gras”?
Fat Monday
Fat Tuesday
Happy Wednesday
Carnival Season
2. In which U.S. city is the most famous Mardi Gras celebration held?
Miami
New Orleans
Los Angeles
Chicago
3. Which colors are traditionally associated with Mardi Gras?
Red, Blue, Yellow
Purple, Green, Gold
Black, White, Gold
Green, Pink, Yellow
4. What is the name of the cake that is traditionally served during Mardi Gras celebrations?
Beignet
King Cake
Gumbo Cake
Fried Dough
5. What is the purpose of the Mardi Gras mask?
To hide the wearer’s identity
To allow for freedom of expression
To keep the wearer warm
To keep the sun out of the eyes
6. Which parade is one of the oldest and most famous in New Orleans?
Krewe of Jupiter
Krewe of Comus
Krewe of Mardi Gras
Krewe of Orleans
7. What is a “Krewe”?
A type of Mardi Gras costume
An organization that organizes parades and events
A street in New Orleans
A traditional Mardi Gras drink
8. Which animal is commonly associated with Mardi Gras celebrations?
Alligator
Cat
Rooster
Horse
9. What is the historical origin of Mardi Gras?
Roman festival of Lupercalia
European Carnival traditions
Ancient Egyptian spring celebration
Native American harvest festival
10. What type of beads are commonly thrown during Mardi Gras parades?
Plastic beads
Metal beads
Wooden beads
Glass beads
11. When did Mardi Gras officially start being celebrated in New Orleans?
1857
1837
1901
1701
12. What is the name of the famous street in New Orleans where many Mardi Gras parades take place?
Canal Street
Bourbon Street
Royal Street
Chartres Street
13. Which famous New Orleans jazz musician is often associated with Mardi Gras celebrations?
Louis Armstrong
Duke Ellington
Ella Fitzgerald
Charlie Parker
14. What is the significance of the “Mardi Gras Indians”?
They are African-American groups who create elaborate costumes
They represent the French settlers of Louisiana
They perform traditional jazz music
They are groups of parade organizers
15. What type of music is commonly played during Mardi Gras?
Classical music
Jazz, zydeco, and brass band music
Rock music
Electronic music
16. What is the “Mardi Gras Bucket List” item for many revelers?
Traveling to Paris
Attending a New Orleans Mardi Gras parade
Eating King Cake
Wearing a mask
17. What is the traditional food served during Mardi Gras?
Po’ boy sandwich
King Cake
Fried chicken
Jambalaya
18. Who is the “King” of Mardi Gras?
The Mayor of New Orleans
The King of the Krewe
The Mardi Gras Parade Leader
The Governor of Louisiana
19. What is the name of the official Mardi Gras anthem?
When the Saints Go Marching In
Mardi Gras Mambo
Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans?
Treme Song
20. What is the most famous parade during Mardi Gras in New Orleans?
Krewe of Bacchus
Krewe of Zulu
Krewe of Iris
Krewe of Endymion
21. In which month does Mardi Gras occur?
December
February
March
January
22. What is thrown from floats during Mardi Gras parades?
Gold coins
Beads
Flowers
Paper confetti
23. What is the name of the popular Mardi Gras parade featuring large floats?
Bacchus Parade
Endymion Parade
Mardi Gras Express
Zulu Parade
24. What does the color purple represent during Mardi Gras?
Justice
Justice and fairness
Power
Loyalty
25. What is a “Throws” in Mardi Gras parlance?
The parade floats
Items thrown from floats, such as beads or toys
The musical performances
The food vendors
26. What was the first Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans known as?
Parade of Kings
Krewe of Comus
Mardi Gras Ball
Grand Parade
27. How many days does Mardi Gras last?
3 days
5 days
10 days
7 days
28. What does the color gold represent in Mardi Gras?
Power
Justice
Loyalty
Faith
29. What is a “Mardi Gras Ball”?
A parade float
A formal dance or gathering
A costume contest
A street party
30. Which event marks the beginning of Mardi Gras season?
Fat Monday
Epiphany (Twelfth Night)
Ash Wednesday
New Year’s Eve
31. What does the color green represent in Mardi Gras?
Power
Faith
Loyalty
Justice
32. What is the name of the popular Mardi Gras cake?
Beignet
King Cake
Creole Cake
Tarte Tatin
33. What is the hidden object inside the King Cake?
A coin
A plastic baby
A coin with a cross
A gold ring
34. What is a “Krewe”?
A group or organization that hosts a parade or ball
A type of Mardi Gras mask
A special drink served during Mardi Gras
A traditional Mardi Gras costume
35. Which of the following is NOT a Mardi Gras float theme?
Mythology
Political satire
Abstract geometric shapes
History and culture
36. How is Mardi Gras celebrated in Rio de Janeiro?
With parades and fireworks
With samba parades and street parties
With a series of formal balls
With classical music concerts
37. What is the significance of the “Mardi Gras beads”?
They are a symbol of good luck
They represent Mardi Gras royalty
They signify an invitation to a ball
They are thrown to the crowd during parades
38. Which state is known for hosting the largest Mardi Gras celebrations?
Texas
Louisiana
California
Florida
39. What is a “Float” in Mardi Gras parlance?
A type of decoration
A large, decorated platform carried in a parade
A Mardi Gras costume
A special cake served during Mardi Gras
40. Which historical figure is known for bringing the first Mardi Gras celebration to New Orleans?
Thomas Jefferson
Jean Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville
Andrew Jackson
Louis XIV
41. What does the color gold represent during Mardi Gras?
Justice
Faith
Power
Loyalty
42. In what year was the first parade in New Orleans held?
1827
1837
1842
1857
43. Which type of music is most commonly associated with Mardi Gras?
Rock and Roll
Classical
Jazz and Brass Band
Country
44. What is the name of the famous Mardi Gras parade ball?
Carnival Ball
Krewe Ball
Mardi Gras Extravaganza
Fat Tuesday Gala
45. What is the name of the first parade held on Mardi Gras Day?
Krewe of Comus
Krewe of Zulu
Krewe of Bacchus
Krewe of Iris
46. What traditional drink is associated with Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans?
Pimm’s Cup
Mint Julep
Hurricane
Sazerac
47. What is the purpose of the Mardi Gras mask?
To conceal one’s identity during parades
To create a festive atmosphere
To protect one’s face from the sun
To hide from enemies
48. Which popular song is often played during Mardi Gras parades?
Eye of the Tiger
When the Saints Go Marching In
Hey Jude
Bohemian Rhapsody
49. What is a “Mardi Gras King”?
A parade float
A popular festival performer
A man who leads the Mardi Gras festivities
A street performer
50. What is a common symbol for Mardi Gras?
A golden cross
The fleur-de-lis
A golden crown
A star
51. What is a “krewe”?
A type of food served during Mardi Gras
A group of people who organize Mardi Gras parades and balls
A traditional Mardi Gras mask
A parade float
52. What is the most common shape of the beads thrown during Mardi Gras?
Squares
Round
Hearts
Stars
53. In what year did the first Mardi Gras celebration occur in New Orleans?
1750
1837
1862
1900
54. What is the name of the Mardi Gras-themed parade float featuring a large effigy?
Bacchus Parade
Zulu Parade
Mardi Gras Indians
Endymion Parade
55. What is the significance of “Fat Tuesday” during Mardi Gras?
The day before Lent, when people indulge in food and celebrations
The day when Mardi Gras officially ends
A religious ceremony
The day of the first Mardi Gras parade
56. What is a popular Mardi Gras food in New Orleans?
Tacos
Po’ boy sandwich
Pizza
Hot dogs
57. Who was the first woman to parade as the Queen of Mardi Gras?
Queen Elizabeth II
Rita Hayworth
Henrietta D. McNabb
Marlene Dietrich
58. What is the “Mardi Gras Indian” tradition?
A special dance
A tradition of African American communities in New Orleans, where they dress as Native American-inspired figures
A parade with indigenous masks
A symbolic war dance
59. What is the main event for Mardi Gras in New Orleans?
A concert
The Mardi Gras parade
A circus show
A fashion show
60. What is a popular Mardi Gras theme for costumes?
Fairytale creatures
Royalty and kings
Zombies
Superheroes
61. What animal is a symbol of Mardi Gras?
Lion
Elephant
Fleur-de-lis
Eagle
62. What is “King Cake” in Mardi Gras tradition?
A savory cake
A sweet cake with a small figurine inside
A bread-like dessert
A fruitcake
63. What color is not typically used for Mardi Gras decorations?
Purple
Green
Gold
Blue
64. What is a “Mardi Gras parade float”?
A decorated platform carried during the parade
A boat used in the river parade
A large balloon carried by people
A large banner marking the start of the parade
65. What does “Mardi Gras” mean in French?
Happy Tuesday
Fat Tuesday
Big Carnival
Festival of Colors
66. What is the “Mardi Gras Indian” tradition about?
A group of African American tribes dressing in elaborate costumes
A tradition where people perform sacred dances
A parade of Native American performers
A contest of cooking traditional dishes
67. What is the meaning of the “Mardi Gras beads” tradition?
A way to show respect for the king
A symbol of wealth
A fun and festive way to engage with the crowd
A way to mark parade routes
68. When is the official start of Mardi Gras season?
January 1st
Christmas Day
January 6th (Epiphany)
February 1st
69. Which U.S. city is most famous for its Mardi Gras celebrations?
Miami
New Orleans
Las Vegas
New York City
70. What was the original purpose of the Mardi Gras parade?
To celebrate the harvest season
To celebrate the beginning of Lent
To mark the end of the summer
To celebrate the king’s birthday
71. What are the primary colors of Mardi Gras?
Red, Yellow, and Blue
Purple, Green, and Gold
Black, White, and Orange
Pink, Blue, and Yellow
72. What is a common tradition after Mardi Gras?
Opening presents
Christmas carols
Lenten fasting and reflection
Thanksgiving dinners
73. What type of dance is often featured during Mardi Gras?
Salsa
Swing and jazz dancing
Ballroom
Hip hop
74. What do people often shout during the Mardi Gras parades?
Happy Holidays
Throw me something, mister!
Best Parade Ever
Show me your moves
75. Which of these is a famous Mardi Gras parade?
The Twilight Parade
The Krewe of Bacchus
The Grand Parade
The Blue Moon Parade
Conclusion: Why Mardi Gras Trivia is a Fun Way to Celebrate
Mardi Gras is more than just a parade – it’s a cultural phenomenon that brings together rich traditions, vibrant colors, delicious food, and lively music. Whether you’re planning to attend Mardi Gras in New Orleans or simply enjoy it from the comfort of your home, trivia questions like the ones above can make the experience even more enjoyable.
