What common item is thrown from Mardi Gras parade floats? Beads are the best-known Mardi Gras throw.
In New Orleans and other Gulf Coast Carnival celebrations, parade riders toss strings of plastic beads to people lining the route. The beads are part of a larger tradition called “throws,” which can also include doubloons, cups, toys, stuffed animals and krewe-specific souvenirs.
The custom of handing gifts to parade spectators began in the 1870s with the Twelfth Night Revelers. The Krewe of Rex later helped establish the tradition of throwing beads, and the practice became a defining feature of New Orleans Mardi Gras. Parade-goers often call out, “Throw me something, mister!”
Beads are commonly associated with the Mardi Gras colors purple, green and gold. These are traditionally linked with justice, faith and power, respectively. A common mix-up is treating beads as the only throw; they are the most recognizable one, but specialty throws such as Zulu coconuts and Muses shoes are also highly prized.