Mardi Gras is one of the biggest parties in the world. It’s celebrated in dozens of locations all over the country. While every city has its own unique way of enjoying themselves before the first day of Lent, most of those celebrations include the custom of wearing masks.

After we talk a little bit about why masks are a part of Mardi Gras (which is French for Fat Tuesday), we’ll talk about how you can make your own masks for your own celebration with just a few easy to gather materials.

Why Mardi Gras Masks

Mardi Gras masks are important because they allow the partygoers to enjoy themselves while also remaining anonymous. When people wear masks, they feel freer to engage in behavior they wouldn’t otherwise do. What you would never do normally may seem like a great idea if you can safely hide your identity behind that mask.

Why would they want to hide? Well, if you’ve never been to Mardi Gras, you may not realize just how wild and crazy the festivities can get. Plus, Mardi Gras parties should be all about creativity and masks give you a chance to let your secret artist shine where everyone can see it.

In fact, Mardi Gras masks are so much a part of the celebration that you might even want to use them as a theme for your invitations. Here are a few examples you might want to consider: Feathered Mask, Mardi Gras Mask, Mardi Gras Masked.

Creating Your Own Mardi Gras Mask

If you are having a party for Mardi Gras, then having masks can really give the festivities a fun boost. Around the holiday, you can find some pre-made masks in party supply stores or through online vendors. However, those costs can add up fast if you’re buying masks for all of your guests. Plus, you won’t be letting your guests show off their own creativity.

Before the party, gather all of the supplies you need. You can find mask templates on the Internet. This site has a few choices, although they are designed for kids they will also work for your needs. Each of your guests should choose their own template, then color the mask using crayons, markers, colored pencils, or even watercolors.

Next, glue the template onto pieces of thin cardboard. You can ask for empty boxes from your local supermarket then tear them apart using an ordinary box cutter. Set the mask aside for a few minutes so the glue can dry and decorate a thin wooden rod, unsharpened pencil, empty popsicle stick, or similar item. Then you’ll need to attach it to the finished mask.

You can add glitter, feathers, or additional colors to the mask, but make sure to cutout spots for your eyes before you begin using it during your celebration.