30 Fun Mardi Gras Trivia Questions (Free Printable!)

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Mardi Gras is a festive occasion that is celebrated in many parts of the world. In the United States, the celebration is most notable in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Mardi Gras is really a time to let loose and have some fun!

If you are planning on attending a Mardi Gras celebration, hosting a Mardi Gras party, or just curious about the holiday, trivia is a great way to get you more informed about the annual event.

Here is a handful of Mardi Gras trivia questions to help you get into the spirit of the season. See how many you can answer correctly!

Also, be sure to grab your free Mardi Gras trivia printable at the end of this post! It’s great for parties and students in the classroom looking to learn more about Mardi Gras while having fun!

Looking for more holiday trivia? How about trying our St. Patrick’s Day trivia next?

* This post may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful content. Thanks!

40 Fun Mardi Gras Trivia Questions and Answers

What is the English translation of the words “mardi gras”?

Answer: “Mardi Gras” translates directly to “Fat Tuesday.”

What trio of colors are associated with Mardi Gras?

Answer: Purple, green, and gold. These are said to have been chosen in 1892 when the Rex Parade theme “Symbolism of Colors” gave the colors their meanings.

What does the gold color represent?

Answer: Power.

On what day does the Carnival season begin on?

Answer: Twelfth Night (January 6).

On what day does the Carnival season end?

Answer: It ends on Fat Tuesday, also known as Mardi Gras.

One of the biggest Mardi Gras celebrations in the U.S. takes place in which city?

Answer: New Orleans.

During Carnival season in New Orleans, what can you often find hanging on trees?

Answer: Beads.

What is significant about the day after Mardi Gras?

Answer: It is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent.

Each New Orleans parade is organized by groups called what?

Answer: Krewes.

The most popular Mardi Gras dessert is called what?

Answer: King cake.

What does “laissez les bon temps rouler” mean?

Answer: It means “let the good times roll” in Cajun French.

What is the anthem of Mardi Gras?

Answer: “If I Cease to Love” is the official anthem, chosen by The Krewe of Rex.

Which Krewe introduced the tradition of giving out Spanish gold coins for Mardi Gras?

Answer: The Krewe of Rex.

What little item is found in a king cake, and what does it signify?

Answer: King cake has a plastic baby inside. Whoever finds the baby in their slice will have good luck, and also has to bring the king cake to next year’s celebration.

“Carnival” comes from the Latin phrase “carne vale,” which means what?

Answer: It means “farewell meat,” as meat was often a sacrifice in Lent.

The very first New Orleans Mardi Gras parade on record was held in what century: 1600s, 1700s, 1800s, or 1900s?

Answer: 1800s; it was held in 1838.

By law, it is illegal to ride on a float without wearing what item during the Mardi Gras celebrations?

Answer: A mask. The purpose of the mask was to allow different classes of people to mingle freely and let loose.

King cake is usually made circular or braided to resemble what shape?

Answer: A crown.

The two most recent Mardi Gras parade cancellations in NOLA have been due to 1) World War II in 1945 and 2) what other world event?

Answer: The coronavirus pandemic in 2021.

While thousands of tourists flock to New Orleans every year for its Mardi Gras celebrations, the original Mardi Gras began in which state?

Answer: In Alabama in 1703.

Why is the date of Mardi Gras different every year?

Answer: Because it is related to Easter, which also changes every year.

The Monday before Mardi Gras is called what?

Answer: Lundi Gras.

The king cake is believed to have originated in which country during the 12th century?

Answer: France.

Every year, the city chooses a new Rex. What is a Rex?

Answer: The King of the Carnival (or the King of Mardi Gras) for the year.

During what year did New Orleans host their annual Mardi Gras celebration as well as the Super Bowl?

Answer: 2013.

Who was given the first title of King of Mardi Gras?

Answer: Russian Grand Duke Romanoff. He was visiting New Orleans for Mardi Gras and the city wanted him to feel welcome.

Which of these is NOT another name for Mardi Gras? Pancake Day, Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, or Beignet Tuesday?

Answer: Beignet Tuesday.

Pancake Day is another name for Mardi Gras that comes from England. Why is it named this?

Answer: It was a common tradition to use up all the eggs, milk, and butter in the kitchen prior to Ash Wednesday. These ingredients were often used to make pancakes.

During Ash Wednesday (the day after Mardi Gras), why do people keep ashes on their foreheads for the entire day?

Answer: It is a sign of mortality and penance for their sins.

Which Disney movie takes place in New Orleans?

Answer: The Princess and the Frog (2009).

In which century was the first recorded celebration of Mardi Gras in the United States?

Answer: The first recorded Mardi Gras celebration in the United States was in 1703, and it took place in Mobile, then the capitol of French Louisiana.

What famous street in the French Quarter of New Orleans is renowned for its lively nightlife, jazz music, and vibrant atmosphere?

Answer: Bourbon Street.

In New Orleans, what term is used to refer to the decorated masks worn during Mardi Gras festivities?

Answer: Mardi Gras Masks or Masquerade Masks.

What popular dessert, often associated with New Orleans, is a fried pastry topped with powdered sugar, commonly enjoyed just about any time of the day?

Answer: Beignets.

What city translates as ‘River of January’?

Answer: Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)

What is the iconic and massive parade ground where the main Rio Carnival samba parades take place?

Answer: Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí.

What is the name of the traditional Brazilian dance that is often performed during the Rio Carnival, characterized by intricate footwork and rhythmic hip movements?

Answer: Samba.

In Rio de Janeiro, what is the term for the informal street parties that take place in the lead-up to and during Carnival?

Answer: Blocos.

The Rio Carnival features competitions between samba schools. What are these schools called in Portuguese?

Answer: Escolas de Samba.

What is the significance of the “Cordão do Bola Preta,” one of Rio de Janeiro’s oldest Carnival street parties?

Answer: It is considered the largest and oldest street carnival band in Rio de Janeiro.