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Merry Mardi Gras Masks

Merry Mardi Gras Masks

Celebrate the spirit of Mardi Gras by making a colorful festival mask.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

  • Craft Materials
  • Sticks

Steps

  • Step 1

    Mardi Gras, French for "Fat Tuesday" is a tradition that dates back thousands of years. Originally it was a lively, celebration of spring where merrymakers would party and indulge in rich, fatty foods. Have students find out where and how Mardi Gras is celebrated in the United States and elsewhere. For example, in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland it is called Fastnacht Day; in Italy its is called Carnevale; and in Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago it is Carnival.

  • Step 2

    Masks are traditionally worn during Mardi Gras celebrations. It is believed that originally it was a way for people to escape society and class restraints and mingle freely. The traditional colors of Mardi Gras and the masks associated with it are purple, green, and gold. Purple stands for justice, green for faith, and gold for power.

  • Step 3

    Have each student create a Mardi Gras mask out of construction paper. They can measure it to fit over the top of their face. Remove the mask from the face to cut out holes for the eyes. Have them decorate it with lively colors and craft items and then attach one side of it to a stick so they can hold it over their face.

Standards

SS: Culture: Create, learn, share, and adapt to culture.

SS: Culture: Through experience, observation, and reflection, identify elements of culture as well as similarities and differences among cultural groups across time and place.

Adaptations

Have students investigate the origin of Mardi Gras in the United States. The first celebration occurred in 1699 when French explorers brought it to present-day New Orleans in Louisiana. It has been a legal holiday in Louisiana since 1875.

In 2005 hurricane Katrina devastated the city of New Orleans causing many fatalities and damage estimated at almost $200 billion. Have students learn about the hurricane, its aftermath, and the challenges and importance of celebrating Mardi Gras to the city after Katrina.