Ash Wednesday:
The day after Mardi Gras, and the first day of Lent.
Balls: Formal
affairs held by prominent New Orleans families and formal Carnival
organizations (Krewes). Few Krewes sell tickets to Balls, most are by invitation only.
Bouef Gras: The
fatted ox or bull that symbolizes the last meat eaten before Lent, and has
been a part of pre-Lenten celebrations since the Middle Ages. Bouef
Gras, symbolized by a giant, paper-mache ox on a float, is a traditional part of the Rex parade.
Captain: The
head of a Carnival organization. Captains get to ride in a place of
honor in the parade, but their identity usually remains a secret. Unlike
Kings and Queens who change from year to year, Captains usually hold
their honor for many years.
Carnival: A term
meaning, "removal of the flesh." The "flesh" is
considered the meat that is forsaken for Lent. The Carnival
season lasts from Jan. 6 (twelfth night) to Mardi Gras (Fat
Tuesday).
Carnival Day:
The last day of the Carnival season. This occurs on Fat Tuesday (Mardi
Gras).
Courir Du Mardi Gras:
A Cajun Mardi Gras celebration where costumed men ride horseback throughout
the countryside collecting rice, chicken and other ingredients for gumbo that
is served at a celebration afterward. Practiced in several
small towns in Louisiana.
Doubloons:
Special coins thrown by Carnival organizations during parades, usually bearing the name
of the Carnival organization.
Flambeaux:
Burning torches mounted on poles, usually wooden, that are carried and often
twirled in some night parades.
King Cake: A
cake similar to a Danish pastry and made in the shape of a ring. The cake
contains a plastic doll, and the person who finds the doll must provide the
cake the following year.
Krewe: Most
organizations participating in the carnival. Not all carnival
organizations are known officially as Krewes, however. One parading organization
that fits into this category is Rex.
Ladders: Step ladders
used
to get a better view of the parade, usually with seats bolted to the tops so
kids can be easy targets for parade throws; often dangerous if safety
precautions aren't taken.
Lundi Gras:
"Fat Monday," or the day before Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday).
Maskers:
People who wear masks or full costumes for Mardi Gras; also applies to float
riders in parades.
Rex: Rex is a large, parading organization from the School of Design. Rex is
also known as,
"Rex, King of Carnival."
Throws: Items
tossed from a parade float, such as cups, toys, doubloons and beads.
Traditional Route:
The route for most night parades. It encompasses
Napoleon Avenue, St. Charles Avenue, and Canal Street, then ends at the
convention center.
Zulu: A large
and well-known African-American Carnival organization, know especially for the
King of Zulu and giving painted coconuts to parade spectators.