Celebrate Mardi Gras in Palestine with “A Taste of New Orleans”

A Taste of New Orleans

A Taste of New Orleans

Mardi Gras may be most popular in New Orleans, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be a part of the fun here in Texas. In fact, there is a celebration coming to Palestine that will rival the food, fun, and culture of the bayou! For the 6th consecutive year, Texas residents will be treated to A Taste of New Orleans: A Mardi Gras Celebration 2018.

Read on to find out more about the festival taking place this weekend, and get ready to laissez les bons temps rouler.

A Taste of New Orleans

This year, A Taste of New Orleans will be held on Saturday, Feb. 3. The event starts at 11:30 a.m. and goes until 5:30 p.m. All festivities will take place on Palestine Main Street. Best of all, this event is offered free of charge.

While you’re at A Taste of New Orleans, you’ll enjoy a showcase of Palestine’s local flavors and morsels from regional chefs. There will be food demonstrations, samples, and beer and wine pairings. All of this will be set to a backdrop of authentic Cajun music.

This Louisiana-style Mardi Gras celebration is an event you don’t want to miss. For more information, contact the Palestine Visitor Center at 903-723-3014.

History of Mardi Gras

Believe it or not, the history of Mardi Gras did not begin in New Orleans. No, the tradition dates back much further than that. The first traces of Mardi Gras tradition can be found in medieval Europe, where it later passed through Rome and Venice, then to the French House of the Bourbons. French settlers then brought the tradition with them to Fort Louis de la Louisiane, which is now Mobile, Alabama. This makes sense, as even in today’s celebration Mardi Gras starts in Mobile.

The City of New Orleans was established in 1718, and by 1730, Mardi Gras was celebrated openly in the city. The first mention of a Mardi Gras “carnival” was in 1781. The tradition, which started much more modestly that what we know today, continued to grow. By the late 19th century, parade krewes were a regular sight, and the first ever “throws” were used. Newspapers began announcing the festivities ahead of time and even printed special editions for Mardi Gras.

In 1875, the governor of Louisiana, Henry Warmouth, signed the “Mardi Gras Act,” establishing Fat Tuesday as a legal holiday for the state. To this day, it remains an official holiday in Louisana.

McLarty Toyota

Let the good times roll at A Taste of New Orleans, then come visit us at McLarty Toyota. You’ll find incredible deals on our full lineup of new and pre-owned vehicles. Give us a call, or come by to take a test drive today.

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