There is a real tradition in wearing and throwing Mardi Gras beads and necklaces. The bead tradition was born in the 1920s during the Rex parade when float krewes threw inexpensive handmade glass necklaces to people in the crowd, meant to draw spectators and be a keepsake.
You will be able to find an enormous selection of Mardi Gras beads in every size, shape and color on our website. The most popular styles feature the colors of Mardi Gras which are purple, green and gold but when it comes down to it, beads are beads, and the more, the better.
72 Piece Mardi Gras Bucket of Beads
Small Round Red and Green Party Beads
People often associate the exchanging and throwing of beads as resulting from vulgar displays by revelers who have had too much to drink while parading around. This is not so. The people who bare themselves for beads started simply as a way to get more attention from the krewe members on the parade floats. When it gets too noisy to yell for attention, this became an alternative, however don't expect it to be the be the norm at every Mardi Gras parade. It is usually only seen in the French Quarter, on Bourbon Street, leaving the rest of the New Orleans parade route with a more family friendly atmosphere.
In addition to being a parade souvenir Mardi Gras beads and necklaces are also a Mardi Gras costume accessory. Every king, queen or jester costume would benefit from a beaded Mardi Gras necklace. Some are more fancy than others. There are the typical long strands you collect along the parade route but there are also necklaces that will stand out as statement pieces with fancy shaped beads in varying sizes. Take a look at all of our choices and by a full assortment to meet your Mardi Gras holiday needs.
