What is Mardi Gras? A Lesson for Little Revelers
Before the glue and glitter come out, it’s fun to share the story of the festival with your kids.
- The Meaning: “Mardi Gras” is French for Fat Tuesday. It is the final day of indulgence before the 40 days of Lent begin.
- The Tradition: For generations, families in Louisiana have headed to the parades early, often bringing ladders with seats on top so children can get a bird’s-eye view of the passing floats and catch “throws” (beads and toys).
- The Colors: You’ll see three specific colors everywhere. In 1892, the Rex parade designated their official meanings:
- Purple: Justice
- Green: Faith
- Gold: Power
1. Handprint Mardi Gras MasksThe mask is the most iconic symbol of Carnival. Using a child’s own handprints makes this craft a wonderful keepsake.
- Materials: Purple, green, and gold cardstock, a craft stick, feathers, and sequins.
- How-to: Trace both of the child’s hands and cut them out. Overlap the palms and glue them together, leaving the fingers pointing outward like wings. Cut out two eye holes in the center and attach a craft stick to one side for a “masquerade” handle.
2. Shoebox “Mini-Floats”
Every child dreams of riding on a Mardi Gras float. Now they can build their own!
- Instructions: Turn a shoebox upside down. Use the lid as the “backboard” for the float. Let kids decorate it with foil, streamers, and small toy figures. Don’t forget to add “wheels” using bottle caps!
3. Paper Plate Tambourines
Mardi Gras is nothing without the sound of jazz and marching bands.
- How-to: Take two paper plates and place a handful of dried beans or rice between them. Staple the edges shut. Let the kids paint the plates with Mardi Gras patterns and tie purple and green ribbons around the edges for extra flair.
4. Duct Tape “Beads”
Real Mardi Gras beads are prized possessions, but making your own is a great fine-motor activity.
- The Craft: Roll strips of purple, green, and gold duct tape around a straw to create “tubes.” Slide them off and string them onto yarn to create a chunky, durable necklace.
5. Paper Jester Hats
The Jester is the “fool” of the court and a beloved figure during Carnival.
- Instructions: Create a headband from a long strip of paper. Cut three or four long triangles (the points of the hat) and glue them to the headband. Attach small bells to the tips so the kids “jingle” as they walk!
6. Mardi Gras “Calming” Sensory Jar
If the excitement of the festival gets a little too high, this sensory jar is the perfect way to wind down.
- Materials: A plastic bottle, water, clear glue, and purple/green/gold glitter.
- The Result: When shaken, the glitter swirls like a New Orleans parade and slowly settles, providing a mesmerizing and calming effect.
7. Beaded “King Cake” Collage
Since king cake is a “must-eat,” it’s also a “must-craft.”
- The Craft: Draw a large circle (the cake) on a piece of paper. Have kids glue leftover Mardi Gras beads or dyed macaroni inside the circle to represent the colorful sugar topping.
8. Coffee Tin Marching Drums
Join the “second line” with a homemade drum!
- How-to: Clean out an old coffee tin or large yogurt container. Decorate the outside with Mardi Gras wrapping paper. Use wooden spoons as drumsticks and lead your own parade through the house.
9. Sparkly Pipe Cleaner Headpieces
For kids who find masks uncomfortable, a sparkly headpiece is a great alternative.
- Instructions: Twist gold and purple pipe cleaners together to form a crown. Add “boppers” or swirls on top to make it look like a festive carnival tiara.
10. Mason Jar Lid Streamers
These are wonderful for outdoor play.
- The Craft: Tie long strands of purple, green, and gold ribbon to a mason jar lid (or a plastic ring). As the kids run, the streamers fly behind them like the ribbons on a parade float.
Table: Planning Your Mardi Gras Craft Day
| Material | Best For… | Difficulty |
| Paper Plates | Masks, Tambourines, Hats | Easy |
| Shoeboxes | Mini Floats | Medium |
| Pasta/Beads | Necklaces, Mosaics | Easy |
| Pipe Cleaners | Crowns, Wands | Easy |
11. Finger-Painted “Bœuf Gras” (Fat Ox)
The Bœuf Gras is one of the oldest symbols of Mardi Gras, representing the last meat eaten before Lent.
- How-to: Help kids paint a large ox shape and decorate it with flower “wreaths” made of tissue paper.
12. Recycled Bead Suncatchers
If you have a surplus of beads from previous years, melt them (with adult supervision) into metal cookie cutters in the oven to create stained-glass-style suncatchers.
13. Mardi Gras Pinwheels
Using double-sided craft paper in gold and purple, kids can create pinwheels that spin in the wind. These make great “toppers” for a festive garden.
14. “King” and “Queen” TP Roll Figures
Use toilet paper rolls to create the Royalty of the court. Add felt capes and tiny gold paper crowns.
15. Handprint “Sun” for Surya
While typically a South Indian tradition for Pongal, many cultures celebrate the sun during the spring. You can blend this by making a purple and gold sun to celebrate the “coming of spring” aspect of Mardi Gras.
16. Felt Jester Collar
A simple “no-sew” collar made of felt triangles can turn any t-shirt into a Mardi Gras costume in seconds.
17. Feathered “Boutonnières”
Use bright feathers and a clothespin to create a “clip-on” decoration for jackets or backpacks.
18. Cardboard Shield for a “Knight of the Krewe”
Many krewes (parade groups) are named after knights. Let kids design their own coat of arms using the three Mardi Gras colors.
19. Glittery “Slime” Carnival
Everything is better with slime! Mix in gold sequins and purple food coloring for a “Carnival Slime” that sparkles.
20. Mardi Gras Windsocks
Staple ribbons to the bottom of a decorated construction paper tube. Hang it on the porch to let the neighbors know you’re celebrating!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a King Cake?
A: It’s a ring-shaped pastry, usually flavored with cinnamon and covered in purple, green, and gold sugar. A tiny plastic baby is hidden inside; whoever finds it is “King” or “Queen” for the day and has to host the next party!
Q: Can we celebrate Mardi Gras if we aren’t in New Orleans?
A: Absolutely! Families all over the world celebrate by making these crafts, eating pancakes (it’s called “Pancake Day” in the UK), and wearing bright colors.
Q: Why do they throw beads?
A: In the early 1920s, float riders started throwing inexpensive glass beads to the crowds to get them excited. Today, they are made of plastic but are still the most sought-after “treasure” of the parade.
Conclusion
Mardi Gras is more than just a party—it’s a celebration of community, history, and the joy of life before a season of reflection. These 20 crafts give children a hands-on way to join in the “enthusiasm and grandeur” of the season. So, put on some jazz music, grab the gold glitter, and let the good times roll (Laissez les bons temps rouler)!