The Mardi Gras ("fat Tuesday") is one of the most colorful carnival celebrations anywhere, taking place every January before Lent. The most famous, of course, is the one that takes place in New Orleans. But the festival is held in cities throughout the world, including Sydney, where it is held in February. At this festival, people put on floats from which various items are thrown to the crowds; make and carry beautiful flambeaux; take part in drag races, pool parties, and harbour- side dances; and— as on Halloween— dress in elaborate fancy dress costumes.

During the period leading up to the festival, many stores hold sales for Mardi Gras costumes. One of our Mardi Gras jester costume for women includes a royal purple mini dress with a green, black, and yellow checkered pattern down the front; delicate light purple wristlettes; and a blue and black jester cap. This and some of the others mentioned below are being sold at eBay.

Then there is this creepy Venetian Men's Mardi Gras costume that consists of a robe, a cape, an eerie- looking mask with a long, pointed nose and evil- looking eyes, mouth and teeth, and a matching hood, and gloves with long, pointed fingers. All the parts are colored black.

And if you are looking for a Mardi Gras hat, you will love this tall felt hat with alternating green, yellow, and red- violet stripes. Other hats made for this occasion include a wide hat with lights, black with a purple boundary, and caps with the words "Mardi Gras" embroidered on them.

Or perhaps you would like to lead the parade dressed in a Mardi Gras king costume. If so, then you will love this one, which consists of a robe, lined in purple with a checkered front, similar to the women's jester costume described above, and a matching crown with a black feather on top, and a gold base. There is also a huge range of Mardi Gras accessories including Mardi Gras Mask, Hats, Mardi Gras Crown and so much more! No matter what Mardi Gras Costume you choose you are sure to find the perfect costume to suit your style and budget!

There is no doubt about it— the Sydney Mardi Gras is an occasion for dressing up. And so I conclude this article with the opening lines from "Take Me to the Mardi Gras," Paul Simon's song from 1973:

Come on, take me to the Mardi Gras
Where the people sing and play
Where the dancing is elite
And there 's music in the street
Both night and day.