“Throw me somethin’, Mister!” remains the iconic catchphrase of Mardi Gras, but many paradegoers aren’t as eager to pick up plastic beads tossed from floats. This growing selectiveness, known as “Bead Fatigue,” has led revelers to seek out unique, high-quality, and meaningful throws instead.
The tradition of throwing trinkets dates back over 140 years. The earliest throws were sweet treats such as sugar-coated almonds and bonbons. Today, catching Mardi Gras trinkets is both a fun pastime and a competitive sport during Louisiana’s Carnival season.
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The History of Louisiana Mardi Gras Throws
The Historic New Orleans Collection preserves one of the most extensive archives of Mardi Gras history. It includes order forms for throws, watercolor-painted float renderings, costumes, Mardi Gras ball invitations, and original throws dating back to the earliest beads.
Handmade Mardi Gras bead necklaces showcasing traditional craftsmanship and festive colors.
In the 1920s, the Krewe of Rex revolutionized Mardi Gras throws by introducing Czechoslovakian glass beads.
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By the 1960s, Rex took it further by adding doubloons, lightweight aluminum coins suggested by H. Alvin Sharpe, the creator of the Mardi Gras doubloon.
Lydia Blackmore, Curator of Decorative Arts at the Historic New Orleans Collection, explains,
“The doubloon is this anodized tin with the gold or silver wash on it that makes it light and easy to throw into the air.”
Mardi Gras doubloons
The Transition to Plastic Beads and Paper Money
In the 1970s, plastic became the dominant material for Mardi Gras throws.
“China started mass producing plastic beads, and as krewes grew, they needed affordable throws in large quantities,” Lydia explains.
A string of purple beads from the 1980s showcases how production evolved, molding beads around the string and pressing plastic medallions for easy attachment.
Not all throw experiments were successful. Faux paper money followed doubloons in the 1970s with paper currency, with the Krewe of Bacchus throwing out Bacchus Bogus Dollars.
Rare 1968 Bacchus paper throw
“These paper throws didn’t last very long because they aren’t easy to throw,” Lydia says.
Plastic made its way into parade throws by the 1970s, with plastic beads replacing most glass beads.
“China started mass producing plastic beads, and as Krewes grew, they needed affordable throws in large quantities.”
A string of purple beads from the 1980s displays advancements in production that molded beads around the string and pressed plastic medallions to attach.
Kurt Owens, a guide at the Historic New Orleans Collection, adds:
“With the advent of plastics molded directly onto polyester strings, we begin to see the new standard of Mardi Gras throws with the ability to customize the color and design of plastic beads, including the creation of plastic medallions specific to each Krewe,”.
5 Legendary Mardi Gras Throws and the Krewes Behind Them
As krewes sought to make their throws more distinctive and collectible, unique, hand-crafted, and artistic throws became a tradition:
Vintage handmade Mardi Gras beads
1.Zulu Coconuts
The Krewe of Zulu, founded in 1909, introduced hand-painted coconuts, which remain one of the most sought-after Mardi Gras throws. Lydia notes:
Hand-painted Zulu coconuts
“The Zulu tramps were founded in 1909, so they are the oldest specialty throws and have the longest legacy of throws.”
She shows me a handpainted Zulu coconut from 1974 that is not hollowed out, which became a common practice to prevent injuries when throwing or handing out coconuts. Another coconut is from 1952 and painted with a shocked face.
2.Muses Shoes
The Krewe of Muses interpreted the signature throw concept into decorated shoes and began handing out beaded pumps in the early 2000s.
A stunning Mardi Gras shoe throw, adorned with pearls, ivy, and a white dove.
“Every member of the Krewe of Muses has to decorate at least two dozen shoes, which has spawned a whole side business of decorating shoes for Muses members,” Lydia says.
Glitzy Mardi Gras throws, sparkling goblets and dazzling shoes
Today, many Mardi Gras throws also serve as folk art and are highly collectible.
3. Tucks Plungers & King Arthur Chalices
The Krewe of King Arthur, one of the city’s largest co-ed krewes, hands out sequined chalices along its route. The Krewe of Tucks, known as the wildest band of revelers, hands out bedazzled toilet plungers.
The Prima Donnas select a unique theme each year, inspiring members to craft hand-beaded bustiers and distinctive headpieces that reflect their group’s identity. The women march down Royal Street, handing out feathered and sequined bras.
Bold and bejeweled Mardi Gras bra throw
At the same time, The Ladies Godiva Riding Group is an all-female equestrian ensemble that parades on horseback, dispersing decorated metal horseshoes that proclaim “Ride Naked.”
5. Morpheus Sleep Masks & Goddesses Oyster Shells
The Krewe of Morpheus, known for its dream-themed floats, throws handpainted sleep masks.
Morpheus 2024 Mardi Gras sleep mask
While the Krewe of Goddesses gifts paradegoers with hand-painted, glittering oyster shells as their signature throw.
A unique hand-painted Mardi Gras oyster shell throw from 2010.
The Environmental Impact of Louisiana Mardi Gras Throws
As parades proliferated and krewes grew larger, the glut of plastic beads became an environmental and health hazard. Kurt says,
“More than 6,000 tons of beads are tossed from parade floats each carnival season.”
The Ecology Center, an environmental organization, conducted a study of the toxicity of Mardi Gras beads and found that two-thirds of the beads tested exceeded the federal levels for lead and contained other toxic chemicals.
A 2018 cleanup effort in New Orleans uncovered 93,000 pounds of beads clogging storm drains and catch basins. A 2024 study by researchers at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab revealed that weathered beads can leach metals like lead and cadmium, posing risks to human health and ecosystems.
The Shift to Eco-Friendly and Practical Throws
Sustainable Louisiana Mardi Gras Throws
Recognizing the environmental toll, many krewes have shifted towards eco-friendly, reusable, and practical throws Mardi Gras celebrations. Some of the most popular sustainable alternatives include:
Biodegradable paper bead necklaces
Fanny packs and reusable tote bags
Seed packets for planting
Locally roasted coffee beans
Handmade soaps
Jambalaya and gumbo mix packets
Bead Recycling Programs
Organizations like Arc of Greater New Orleans (ArcGNO) are making strides in reducing bead waste. ArcGNO collects used Mardi Gras beads, cleans and sorts them, and resells them to krewes for future use. This initiative not only minimizes waste but also supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Future of Louisiana Mardi Gras Throws
MMardi Gras throws have transformed from simple trinkets to highly collectible, artistic, and environmentally conscious items. Lydia Blackmore reflects on the changing trends:
“A few years ago, the city of New Orleans cleaned out drainage catch basins and found almost 50 tons of plastic beads clogging our water drains, which are toxic. Krewes are opting for practical, reusable, and sustainable items.”
These changes reflect not just a move toward sustainability but a deeper appreciation for craftsmanship, tradition, and cultural identity. Whether it’s a hand-painted coconut, a decorated shoe, or a sequined chalice, Louisiana Mardi Gras throws continue to evolve, ensuring their place in Carnival history for generations to come.
Watch and learn more about the history of Mardi Gras Throws:
Karen LeBlanc is a freelance writer living in Orlando, Florida with many published bylines in magazines, newspapers, and multimedia sites. As a professional lifestyle writer, Karen specializes in art, architecture, design, home interiors and personality profiles.
Karen is the writer, producer and host of the streaming series, The Design Tourist (www.TheDesignTourist.com) that brings viewers a global dose of design inspiration with episodes featuring the latest looks and trends from the world’s premiere design events and shows. She also publishes a quarterly magazine on design travel that you can read by clicking the link: https://thedesigntourist.com/the-magazine/
Her journalism background includes seven years on-air experience as a TV news reporter and anchor covering a range of issues from education to politics. Her educational credentials include a Master of Arts in Mass Communications from Northeast Louisiana University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Louisiana State University.
Throughout her career, Karen has written and produced dozens of documentaries and videos for educational, commercial, corporate, and governmental clients and appeared in many TV and video productions as a professional host.
Karen LeBlanc is a travel host and writer with a popular travel show, The Design Tourist, and a companion lifestyle blog. As a widely published travel journalist and content creator, Karen is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association. She also serves as the Design and Travel editor of the national lifestyle magazine, LaPalme. Karen believes that every destination has a story to tell through its local art, architecture, culture, and craft. This immersive creative exploration begins with authentic accommodations where the narrative of place unfolds through art, accessories, accouterments, furnishings, fixtures, and food.
