The phrase "Laissez les bons temps rouler!" which means "let the good times roll" in French, is one of the most popular sayings during Mardi Gras. Other frequently spoken terms include King cake, super krewe and throws.
"Laissez les bons temps rouler!" captures the heart of the Mardi Gras festival. This festival is designed for people to indulge in all the excitement and fun they can prior to Fat Tuesday. This special Tuesday marks the start of Lent, which is a time of reducing one's more indulgent activities. In the United States, one of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations takes place in the city of New Orleans. As a result of this town's historic connection to France, many of the common phrases are expressed in French.
While this is the most famous phrase of the holiday, several other terms are prominent throughout the celebration. King cakes are special baked goods containing a small plastic baby figure symbolizing Jesus Christ. Super krewes are large groups of parade organizers. These groups work together to plan parade routes, get city permits and organize float assignments. Throws are the items people in the parade hand out to the watching crowd. These are traditionally plastic beads.