You and your classmates are planning to hold a fun university party for Mardi Gras. Since you’re trying to move away from the usual boring affairs, you decide this will be a lively theme that you and all the students can enjoy. A Mardi Gras theme party is derived from the celebration that falls on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten Season. If you’re familiar with Lent, you’re aware that faithful religious followers do not eat meat as soon as it begins, as a sign of their repentance and spiritual cleansing. Mardi Gras (French for Fat Tuesday) is a festive carnival that allows people to dance, celebrate and eat as much meat and fattening food as they can. They also don colorful costumes and wear masks while parading around.

Mardi Gras is popularly held in New Orleans, but is also celebrated in other places.

You can base your party on this popular celebration. Nothing beats a Mardi Gras theme when it comes to bright colors, fun and laughter. It’s also easy to throw together, as long as you know how the celebration works. If you’re going to have a Mardi Gras theme for your next university party, you should check out these fun suggestions.

Fun Party Hues: Mardi Gras Colors

Remember that a Mardi Gras party is like a carnival and is always filled with fun, eye-catching colors. That’s why you should find theme colors that’ll look festive, but will not be too much of an eye-sore. Green, gold and purples are good choices, and can give a funky atmosphere to your party. Use them in all the different details of your party, including the invitations, streamers, decorations and even the food.

A Lively Mardi Gras Look: Party Decorations

The wonderful thing about Mardi Gras decorations is that they can be either unique or traditional. If you want the usual decorations, you can use colorful streamers, party poppers, balloons and paper banners for your party. On the other hand, if you want a unique decorating approach, you can put up giant props and different colorful trinkets around your venue.

Dressing up for the Party: Mardi Gras Costumes

You can’t go to a Mardi Gras party wearing your usual clothes, can you? You should find appropriate clothing for this celebration. If you’re going for a simple look, strings of colorful beads and a mask would be ideal. View the below video to see a wide variety of costumes worn at Mardi Gras.

If you want to be glamorous, you can dress up in different costumes, such as a court jester, a showgirl and even a pirate. If you have old Halloween costumes, use them. Don’t be afraid to be creative and use your wildest ideas.

Dining on a Mardi Gras Feast: Party Food

Since Mardi Gras was initially created to be a feast, it’s only reasonable to have a large buffet during your party. Serve different kinds of dishes, with various flavors including sweet, spicy and tangy. Popular favorites include stuffed jalapenos, deep fried seafood and hot-sauce spiked crawfish bread. For sweet desserts, cupcakes or a large king cake topped with colorful icing would be very delicious. Also, don’t forget to serve beef and pork dishes. Let the guests indulge in these delightful and filling food items.

Mardi Gras is a fun and festive celebration, and when you use this theme for your university party, you should make sure that you achieve the same energy and entertainment that this holiday has. So go ahead, go wild, get funky and have a fun Mardi Gras celebration.

View some highlights from the 2006 Mardi Gras