The author (Gary O'Rielly) is all desked out with Mardi Gras beads as the season is upon us. After 16 years in Louisiana, the annual Mardi Gras has become a major celebration of the O'Rielly family. Shortly, as in the past ten years, King Cakes will arrive from two Louisiana friends.
Although my talk centered on my background, varied career and the number of moves around the United States as each of my careers expanded from one to another. Louisiana was special. So a bit about the history of Mardi Gras and the King Cake Tradition below.
An observer once said that New Orleanians are either having a party, recuperating from a party or planning a party. The biggest and best party of all and the city's most famous celebration is Mardi Gras, the greatest free show on earth. Mardi Gras in New Orleans dates back to 1837 when the first street parade took place. The celebration throughout New Orleans and parts of Louisiana covers more than 100 private masked balls.
One of the most popular customs is still the baking of a special cake in honor of the three kings, referred to as the King Cake. Over time, traditions evolved: the person who receives the doll baked inside of the King Cake continues the festivities by hosting the next King Cake party. King Cakes were originally a simple ring of dough with little decorations. Several bakeries have developed their own special recipes as a signature item to become "the King of King Cakes" made from rich Danish dough, baked and covered with a poured sugar topping and decorated with the traditional Mardi Gras colored sugars. Purple, representing Justice; Green representing Faith; and Gold representing Power. Hundreds of thousands of King Cakes are consumed at parties every year, making the King Cake another fine Louisiana tradition.,