Mardi Gras Masks

From LoveToKnow Costumes

Mardi Gras masks are a big part of the fun of Mardi Gras. It can be a lot of fun to dress up as someone else and to wear a mask so no one knows for sure who you are. And what better way to celebrate Fat Tuesday than by temporarily giving up your identity with a colorful mask?

What is Mardi Gras?

For the uninitiated, a quick explanation of why we're partying. Traditionally, Carnival season is the time between Christmas— more specifically, the epiphany— and Lent, the time of fasting, prayer and contemplation in the Catholic faith before Easter.

Mardi Gras, which literally means Fat Tuesday, is the end of that celebration. It's the last big party before Ash Wednesday, a holy day of obligation (that means going to church is a must) for all Catholics and the first day of Lent.

Because the date of Easter changes from year to year, the date of Mardi Gras changes as well. Mardi Gras is always 47 days before Easter, and it can fall as early as February 3 or as late as March 9.

In America, we think of New Orleans when we think of Mardi Gras, but there are Mardi Gras and Carnival celebrations all over the world. You can find out more about the New Orleans Mardi Gras celebration, as well as Mardi Gras history and traditions, at Mardi Gras.com.

But What About the Masks?

People traditionally dress up for Mardi Gras in various costumes, probably based on the French tradition of masquerade balls, particularly after church on Sundays. Costumes range from funny Halloween-type costumes to elaborate ball gowns and traditional masquerade masks.

While dressing up to attend a parade or Mardi Gras party is not usually required, it is a lot of fun to leave yourself behind for a day and hide in the identity of someone else.

Types of Mardi Gras Masks

There are a wide variety of Mardi Gras masks available, but they basically break down into two categories:

  • Wearable masks have a basic paper or plastic mask as the base and are covered with feather, beads and other embellishments. There are also wearable masks made out of paper mache.
  • Ceramic masks are not suitable for wearing. They are painted and often have embellishments like ribbons, feathers and sequins.

Ceramic masks can be quite expensive but they are a wonderful way to decorate for a Mardi Gras party, especially if you live far away from the Mardi Gras action.

Wearable masks usually have some kind of band that wraps around the head to keep the mask snug on your face. Other masks have ribbons that tie in the back or are mounted on sticks and can be held in front of the face.

Wearable masks can be purchased as part of a Mardi Gras costume or individually. You can also wear a mask with a costume or by itself with your regular clothes or a suit. Masks can either cover the eyes or the whole face. Elaborate masks with feathers and beads are particularly popular.

Buying Mardi Gras Masks

There are many places online where you can buy Mardi Gras masks, both the wearable kind and the ceramic ones. The simplest sequined or paper masks can be purchased for less than a dollar apiece, while beautiful handmade ceramic masks can cost upwards of $300.

Here are a few sources to check out:

In addition, check out the exclusive LoveToKnow Costumesinterview with Shari McConahay of MardiGrasCostumes.com.

Mardi Gras Masks to Make

You can also decorate your own Mardi Gras mask to wear at a celebration or use for decoration. Simple undecorated masks can be purchased at craft or party supply stores. Use glue to decorate them with various embellishments, such as:

  • sequins
  • feathers
  • beads
  • feather boas
  • colored tissue paper

You can also make a Mardi Gras mask completely from scratch by cutting out a mask shape from construction paper or card stock. Cut out eye-shaped holes for the eyes and attach a dowel or two pieces of ribbon to tie the mask to your head.

Decorate in the same manner as you would a store-bought mask.

Enjoy Your Mask

Mardi Gras masks bring a spirit of fun to your celebration, no matter where you are. Laissez les bons temps rouler!

More Mardi Gras Costume Ideas

Interested in finding more ideas for Mardi Gras or your next masquerade ball? Check out these great articles!

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