History and Traditions of Mardi Gras

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Pierre’s younger brother, Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville established New Orleans on May 7, 1718 and so named it for Philippe d’Orleans, Duke of Orleans who was also Regent of France at the time. Even then, Colonial New Orleans was unique; racial diversity and their Creole culture placed much stock in a “live and let live” tolerance allowed for a free market economy where slaves could use their earnings to purchase their freedom, their owners’ objections notwithstanding. New Orleans was America’s first multicultural community.

Pre-Lenten balls and parties were held in the late 1700s where masked balls flourished under French rule. This was later banned by the Spanish governors, continuing until New Orleans became an American city in 1803. Balls were again authorized in 1823 and in 1827, street masking was also legalized.