Staying Short-Term in Shreveport LA Rentals? Must Know Mardi Gras FAQ

If you happen to be staying in Shreveport LA rentals for any length of time during the spring, you’ll need to experience Mardi Gras while here! The exact dates vary from year to year, but festivities usually last more than a month long and feature extravagant parades, bals and more. Mardi Gras can be confusing if you’re new to the South…read on for some answers to several important questions regarding the season.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mardi Gras

In a previous blog post, we discussed some of the Mardi Gras events that happen in the area. Now, we’ll build on that information and add some additional insights into some of the things you’ll see and taste while celebrating during Carnival.

  • Why do they wear facial masks at Mardi Gras? – Not to be confused with masking related to the pandemic, these festooned masks are an iconic statement that’s crucial to any good Mardi Gras costume. In fact, anyone who rides on a parade float in New Orleans is required to wear a mask!1 Back in the day, masks helped people of various classes and ethnicities feel more freedom to have fun and do what they wanted without the stigma of social norms. And there are meanings associated with different mask styles. This article explains the significance of the Columbine, Dama, Jester and other types of masks.
  • Why do they throw beads for Mardi Gras? – Beads are everywhere in the Mardi Gras party scene. If you’re attending a parade, tradition goes that you can yell “throw me something, mister” and they are supposed to toss you some beads (or whatever they happen to be giving out). There’s also a less family-friendly association connected with the trinkets, but we’ll let you read about that yourself via some of the articles in the Sources below. As far as where the bead “throws” originated, the tradition may have ties to the Renaissance period.2
  • What is King Cake and why is it significant? – If you buy a King Cake to bring to your short term rental and enjoy, make sure you know about the tiny plastic figurine baked in it! Yep, there’s a tiny “baby Jesus” inside the cake and, if you find the figurine in your piece, you’re supposed to host the party next year.
    Some say that the tradition ties to the connection Mardi Gras has with King’s Day, which is celebrated after Christmas on January 6th.3 Other theories include placing a ring / bean inside the cake and whoever found it would be the king for that day.3 Either way, the cake sure tastes good!

Please keep in mind that we are providing information about these activities as a convenience to our current and potential tenants! We don’t specifically endorse any business or organization listed. Also, please follow guidelines for social distancing while out and about. Shreveport Bossier Corporate Housing wants you to be safe, happy and healthy!

Shreveport LA rentals to get you right in the action

If you’re coming to Louisiana on assignment for work, you know that a good rental makes a huge difference on your quality of life. Our fully furnished Shreveport LA rentals are ideal for temporary renters seeking corporate housing, travel nurse housing, Barksdale AFB housing etc. We offer pet-friendly rentals for your convenience and have all the amenities you’ll need, such as washer / dryer units in each condo, equipped kitchen area, linens and more. Give Debi a call at 318-548-6156 or reach her via our Contact form today to ask about our current availability. Talk to you soon!

Sources: https://www.ksla.com/2022/01/07/mardi-gras-2022-calendar-events-parades/, https://www.sbfunguide.com/events/mardi-gras/?categories%5B0%5D=0&endDate=03%2F31%2F2022, https://www.arklatexhomepage.com/community/events/shreveport-gets-ready-for-mardi-gras-season/, https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/a35195218/when-is-mardi-gras/, https://time.com/5144265/mardi-gras-traditions-history/, https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/arts-and-culture/g16129475/mardi-gras-traditions-history/, (1) https://www.rd.com/article/why-do-mardi-gras-float-riders-have-to-wear-masks/, (2) https://hellogiggles.com/news/why-are-beads-thrown-at-mardi-gras/, https://www.bustle.com/p/why-do-people-throw-beads-at-mardi-gras-the-tradition-has-its-historic-roots-39420, https://gatorbythebay.com/mardi-gras-or-bust-the-significance-of-mardi-gras-beads/, (3) https://www.southernliving.com/holidays-occasions/mardi-gras/king-cake-meaning, https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/food/a30420768/what-is-king-cake/