KING CAKE: THE NEW ORLEANS MARDI GRAS STORY

Trailer TRT - 1:47

What are the most common stereotypes of the New Orleans Mardi Gras? Explore what most people think they know about it. Where did those perceptions come from?

Discover the Bourbon Dynasty French roots to the City of New Orleans and her Mardi Gras celebrations starting with French explorer Bienville whom founded the city of New Orleans.

Although Mardi Gras is not a religious holiday, learn how it is intertwined with Ash Wednesday, Lent and Easter giving it a status of the feast before the fast.

Ever wonder why the date of Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday changes from year to year? Learn more about it here.

Learn about the migration of a pagan spring time ritualistic festival in a polytheistic world that became the ancient Greek Bacchanalia, which became the ancient Roman Saturnalia, which found its way to France as Carnivale under the Bourbon Dynasty which migrated from the Old World to the New World via the French founder of New Orleans, Bienville. Today's New Orleans Mardi Gras expression is built upon previous layers of Springtime celebrations expressed by prior cultures. All of it is to celebrate a springtime rebirth of life.

An unveiling of the New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian history and artistry.

Explores the family side of the New Orleans Mardi Gras.

Taking a look at what the New Orleans Mardi Gras actually is from a local's perspective.