Mardi gras Beads

Mardi gras beads are all the rage today. You’ll see them everywhere from summer carnivals to kids’ birthday parties and every place in between. What started as a tradition during outdoor parades and parties has become a trademark of festivities across the calendar and world. When you think about beads it is easy to picture people throwing them on the streets and handing them out to whoever they want. People pile them on and give them away. is fun and the beads give it that festive quality. Without them, it would not be the same. If you want to participate in the celebration, you will need at least one string. But the more the merrier.

Any party supply store carries beads throughout the year. In a colorful array and many different sizes they are used for costume parties and carnivals today. During Mardi gras, the beads take on the symbol of itself. No longer are they simple strings of beads to be given away to passerbies during the parties that last all night in the street.



There are as many different designs as you can think of, for every type of people. There are currently beads for the Irish, made in green with four leaf clovers, which are also popular on St. Patrick’s Day in March. There are red beads with hearts on them, which are used for Valentine’s Day as well. Then there are specialty team and sports beads, ones with slogans on them, and beads with symbols of the Katrina Hurricane relief funds. Whatever your cause or reason, there are beads to fit your event.

Common colors for beads are purple, green, silver, gold, and orange, though they can be found in any color, most often green, purple and gold are associated with New Orleans Mardi gras. Other common items that partygoers like to bring on their reveling in New Orleans are masks made with feathers and sequins, feather boas and large and ostentatious hats. Whether you’re intent on celebrating on Bourbon Street, or throwing a simple back yard bash, beads are a fun way to start your celebration and liven up the fun.


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