Mardi Gras and Movies in the Midwest
Learn about Mardi Gras, King Cake, and the annual carnival's onscreen presence captured by Chicago film companies
Online
Unavailable
FREE
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 online course, 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.
Virtual Tour FAQs
How Do I Watch?
Unless listed otherwise, our virtual tours take place live on Facebook. Simply visit Chicago Movie Tours' Facebook Page at the scheduled time, and click PLAY on the live video.
(You do not need a Facebook account to watch live programs.)
Can I Get a Reminder?
Yes! If you'd like an email reminder, register here for the event at least 24 hours before it begins.
Can I Watch Later?
Virtual tours may not be available after their livestream. Because some of Chicago Movie Tours' virtual events include clips that may trigger social media censors, Facebook could remove the videos after the livestream, even though the material is considered fair use.
In short: it's a good idea to watch live.
How Do I Tip?
If you'd like to make a donation or tip, you may do so either
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When you register
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On our donation page
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Your generous tips and donations—which help to cover costs of livestreaming software, archive and research memberships, on-location travel for virtual tour video footage, and more—ensure Chicago Movie Tours can continue creating free and affordable in-person and virtual events.
Thank you! 💙
What's Included
Chicago Movie Tours' virtual tours incorporate the following, when applicable, to bring the subject matter to life:
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HD video
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High-quality photos
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Expertly designed animated slideshows
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Clips and screengrabs
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Maps (to orient you as you "travel" with us)
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Vintage newspaper articles and ads
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Classic movie fan magazine excerpts
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Well-researched commentary
Additionally, we always include opportunities for audience contribution.
