Mardi Gras is the perfect time to “laissez les bon temps rouler” or “let the good times roll.” No matter how you celebrate the event—by going to a parade, a restaurant, or staying in with family, there’s still plenty about the holiday you might not know. Enrich your Mardi Gras knowledge with these fun facts.

Celebrating Mardi Gras Through the Years 

1. New Orleans

Although the Big Easy is the site of the most boisterous Mardi Gras celebration today, the first event was actually held in a different city. After French-Canadian explorer Pierre Le Moyne d’lberville realized it was Fat Tuesday back in France, he declared his camping spot “Point du Mardi Gras” and threw a small party. The site was about 60 miles downriver from the future city of New Orleans; a more recognizable gala wouldn’t take place until a few years later. During that party, settlers and French soldiers wore Mardi Gras masks and celebrated in the new town of Mobile, which later became part of Alabama.

2. King Cake 

One of the sweetest treats to dine on in restaurants during Mardi Gras season is undoubtedly king cake. Made from braided brioche dough, cinnamon spice, and a sugary glaze, there’s more to this cake’s design than good looks. The purple, green, and gold colors symbolize three traits—justice, power, and faith. There’s also a tiny baby figurine hidden inside traditional king cakes that represents the baby Jesus. At a restaurant, if you discover the baby in your slice, it’s said that you’ll have good luck for the rest of the year.

2. Suppression & Waning Interest

Mardi Gras wasn’t always the popular celebration it is today. From 1718 to 1837, Spanish and U.S. authorities cracked down on masked balls and disguises worn in public. Though the first recorded street parade took place in 1837, the event didn’t explode in popularity until two decades later when a secret society called the Mistick Krewe of Comus held a Mardi Gras parade and a luxurious ball. These events reignited the public’s interest and helped establish New Orleans as the hub of the celebration. Since then, many other societies have formed to create impressive parade floats such as Les Mysterieuses and the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club.

If you’re looking for the perfect place to celebrate Mardi Gras, visit Buzzard Billy’s in Lincoln, NE. Located in the Historic Haymarket district, this restaurant specializes in New Orleans and American cuisine, providing a delicious combo of traditional bites like burgers and fries and Cajun favorites like gumbo and jambalaya. While you’re dining, don’t forget to order a Category 5 Hurricane to wash everything down. Visit the website to browse the menu or call (402) 475-8822 to speak with a friendly representative today.