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1 hr

From $200

Mardi Gras and Movies in the Midwest

Explore the history of Mardi Gras and its onscreen depictions, including some from Chicago film companies

About This Tour

About

In celebration of Fat Tuesday, explore the history of Mardi Gras and a few of its 200+ onscreen depictions, including some from Chicago film companies!


In this hour-long program (offered virtually and in person), you will:


  • Enjoy a short history of Mardi Gras, including the meaning behind its name, regional and global traditions, associated lawsuits, memes, and marketing.

  • Explore movies that depict the famous New Orleans-based celebration, and learn why this annual raucous event has translated well to the silver screen since 1898!

  • Compare pączki, a Fat Tuesday pastry common in Chicago and the Midwest, to New Orleans-style king cake, a ring of twisted cinnamon roll-style dough stuffed with cream cheese, praline, or strawberry—and a plastic baby doll.

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