Lectures For Lifelong Learners!

Explore the history of Mardi Gras and a few of its 200+ onscreen depictions! In this hour-long lecture, you will enjoy a short history of Mardi Gras, including the meaning behind its name and regional and global traditions. You will also consider movies that depict the famous New Orleans-based celebration, and learn why this annual raucous event has translated well to the silver screen since 1898. Finally, you will compare pączki, a Fat Tuesday pastry common in the Midwest, to New Orleans-style king cake, a ring of twisted dough stuffed with a sweet filling and a plastic baby doll. Laissez les bon temps rouler!