Mardi Gras Music: A Playlist
Listen to the indulgent, electrifying sounds of Mardi Gras — wherever you are.
At once a way of being and a public celebration, Mardi Gras mirrors to the world what Louisianans already know — good music is worth grooving to.
This year’s festivities culminate on Tuesday, February 13th, in vibrant and boisterous eruptions of joy — a timely precursor to Louisiana’s Year of Music. If you can’t celebrate the holiday here, enjoy our collection of parade-worthy compositions at home.
On Mardi Gras History and Tradition
Now a cultural phenomenon, Mardi Gras began as a Christian practice — particularly a Roman Catholic one. On the Tuesday before Lent, which marks a period of penance and fasting, revelers would enjoy liberal amounts of rich, savory foods. This tradition became known as Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday.”
Louisianans celebrate weeks in advance, however, during a season called Carnival. It’s common to see shades of purple, green and gold (which represent faith, justice and power, respectively) on storefront displays, neighborhood flags, and king cakes. It’s just as common to watch hundreds of glitzy parade floats or attend a masquerade.
Mardi Gras traditions differ regionally: You’ll find jazz-tinged New Orleans-style parades in the bayou and a Cajun-coated chicken runs down south. Celebrations vary, sure, but good music never does: It’s as integral to Louisiana’s culture as the holiday is.
On Mardi Gras Music
No single sound defines Mardi Gras. Instead, it’s the essence of a few genres — a little jazz, a little blues, a little mambo. It’s disparate. It’s unusual. And it’s shaped by its French, Caribbean, African and Spanish roots.
Perhaps the best way to hear the holiday is to observe a second line of Mardi Gras Indians, whose rollicking spectacles galvanized the genre. Performances are jazzy, energetic and brass-centric, a lively call-and-response between performer and observer. In fact, the style is so distinct that many of the state’s celebrations emulate this New Orleans-specific sound. When you hear it, you’ll recognize the intrinsic spirit of Mardi Gras, which is something akin to lighting in a bottle. As New Orleans artist Dr. John once said, ‘"New Orleans music was not invented, it just kind of grew up naturally, joyously, just for fun.”
The Playlist
Experience the magic of Mardi Gras with our playlist!
