Mardi Gras, like many other Louisiana celebrations, has its roots in European history. It was originally a third century A.D. celebration of the Winter Solstice. Centuries later, the Christian church designated December 25th as the birth of Christ, and the Epiphany on January 6th, the twelfth day after Christmas. The twelve days between Christmas and the Epiphany were a time of celebration with a designated "king" to rule over festivities. Balls, masquerades, and general revelry eventually lasted past January 6th and on to what the French called "Mardi Gras" or "Fat Tuesday". This day marked the day before the solemn period of Lent, and the official end to Mardi Gras celebrations.

The traditions were brought over to New Orleans by French explorer Pierre le Moyne, Sieur d’Iberville when he settled 60 miles south of present day New Orleans on Mardi Gras day in 1699. The parades and other celebrations did not catch on until much later when the Krewe of Comus was founded. Today there are more than 100 Mardi Gras Krewes and parades across the state of Louisiana. The day is a state holiday and generates an estimated one billion dollars in spending each year.