Throwing beads during Mardi Gras is a fun activity. Known by locals as “throws,” you may catch beads and other eye-catching trinkets tossed from parade floats into crowds. This tradition is believed to have started in 1800s when a carnival king threw out fake gems, jewelry made from glass beads, and sugared almonds to his supporters. Mardi Gras parade revelers have a blast catching the beads and other throws each year. Occasionally, if you’re lucky, you can still find a Krewe throwing vintage glass bead necklaces. Modern Krewes may make and toss many quirky, handmade items from their floats. For example, Zulu distributes hand-decorated coconuts; Muses gives out beautiful shoes; Tucks decorates toilet plungers, and Rex distributes shiny doubloons each year. Contrary to popular misconception, “earning beads” by flashing a woman’s bare breasts is NOT a Mardi Gras tradition. Flashing for beads (public nudity) and related rowdiness is not even allowed outside the French Quarter, and even there it is mainly drunken tourists exhibiting Spring Break behavior on the crowded nighttime streets. But hey, if flashing for beads is done consensually at Naughty Gras 2025, then we have no problem with it! What will you do for some lovely beads?!?
