Period Costumes - Winter, 2012
Mardi Gras and Carnival
The festivities of Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, begin in late-January and run until Shrove Tuesday (February 21, 2012), signifying a period of celebration prior to the somber season of Lent. It coincides with, and is celebrated in much the same manner as, the Brazilian Carnival (which officially starts on February 17th this year) and the Carnival of Venice (which starts about 2 weeks before Ash Wednesday.) But it's never too early to party - or play your costume! Carnival celebrations begin in February.
The tradition of Mardi Gras has it's roots in early Roman Catholic Europe. In the late 1600's, the festivities were carried across the Atlantic to the United States by French immigrants in the South, where the Mardi Gras revelry is still observed in grand style today.
In addition to wild parties, Mardi Gras is known for it's parades and masked balls, featuring fantastic attire resplendant in shades of purple, green and gold. When it comes to outrageous costumes, Mardi Gras is second only to Halloween! Anything goes - ball gowns of all types, king's robes, 17th century French-inspired baroque costumes, Renaissance jester costumes and Venetian masks are just a few of the varied and colorful types of attire marking these events.
» Shop Mardi Gras costumes
» Venetian Masquerade Masks
Need some finishing touches for a costume you already have? Browse for authentic hats, wigs and historic boots and shoes to complete the look!
More Upcoming events and holidays:
February 14, 2012 - Valentine's Day
April 8, 2012 - Easter
Historically Inspired Storybook Costumes
Wicked queens and Renaissance faeries, Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella and Snow White - the outfits of these familiar characters, while not authentic period costumes, are inspired by the attire of the 16th to 19th centuries, when most of these stories were written. We thought they were so special, we've given them a home of their own. Stop by FairyTaleCostumes.net for hundreds of fairy tale costumes for adults and children, related accessories, fairy tale trivia and more!
Pet Costumes
Need a historic or Halloween costume for your dog? A Tri corner hat for your cat? Visit our sister site, BestDogCostumes.com for a great selection of high-quality pet costumes!