3 minute read
On Saturday 1 March it’s all systems go again at VIAGE. That evening we’re celebrating Mardi Gras in the spirit of the New Orleans Carnival.
Mardi Gras, or ‘Fat Tuesday’ in English, finds its origins in pagan customs that were celebrated during pre-Christian spring festivals. With the rise of Christianity, the celebration underwent adaptations to mark the transition into the fasting period of Lent. It is the final day before Ash Wednesday, which signals the start of the 40-day fast leading up to Easter. Mardi Gras gave people one final chance to indulge without restrictions. Nowadays this day has largely lost its religious significance and it is simply an occasion to celebrate and dress up in a colourful atmosphere.
New Orleans Carnival
This year’s Mardi Gras is on 4 March. To give everyone the opportunity to let their hair down, we are celebrating on Saturday 1 March from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m. VIAGE invites you for an extraordinary evening in the spirit of the New Orleans Carnival!
When European settlers came to America, they brought along their carnival traditions. The French in particular played a key role in this regard. In 1699, French colonists organised the first Mardi Gras celebration in what is now Louisiana. New Orleans later became the most famous place in the world for Mardi Gras celebrations, with its festive atmosphere, jazz music and colourful bead necklaces that are thrown into the crowd.
Throw me something
These necklace or ‘throws’ are one of the most recognisable aspects of Mardi Gras. From the parades and the balconies in the French Quarter necklaces are thrown into the crowd. The more necklaces you catch, the better! So calls of ‘throw me something’ are all around.
'Beads and bling: it's a Mardi Gras thing.'
Another key aspect of Mardi Gras is the tradition of masks and costumes. Of old, only masked participants can parade, allowing everyone to enjoy the festivities anonymously, without social class distinctions. Nowadays almost everyone wears a mask or an extravagant costume, turning the city into a genuine spectacle of colours and creativity.
Purple, green and gold
The Mardi Gras colours are purple, green and gold. If you don’t have a costume, you must at least dress in the colours of Mardi Gras. Your bead necklaces must also display these colours. Only then are you ready for an evening full of spectacular entertainment, a diversity of theme activities and a long night of surprises. Our beauties in their colourful, feathered costumes welcome you with masks and bead necklaces before they surprise you with an energetic show filled with humour.
Music and dance
New Orleans is know as the birthplace of jazz and during Mardi Gras music is everywhere. Brass bands parade through the streets whereas famous quarters such as the French Quarter and Bourbon Street are alive with the sounds of jazz, blues and funk. Dancing in the streets is not unusual - on the contrary, it’s an essential part of the celebrations. So don your best dancing shoes and who knows, you may become the king or queen of limbo!
🎭 Dress code: wear your most eye-catching costumes and embrace the carnival atmosphere!
📍 Where: VIAGE, Brussels
📅 When: Saturday 1 March 2025
⏰ Time: from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m.
