<P> Mardi Gras in the United States is not observed nationally across the country , however a number of cities and regions in the U.S. have notable Carnival celebrations . Most trace their Mardi Gras celebrations to French , Spanish , and other colonial influences on the settlements over their history . The earliest Carnival celebration in North America occurred at a place on the west bank of the Mississippi river about 60 miles ( 96.6 kilometers ) downriver from where New Orleans is today ; this Mardi Gras on the 3rd of March 1699 and in honor of this holiday , Pierre Le Moyne , Sieur d'Iberville , a 38 - year - old French Canadian , named the spot Point du Mardi Gras ( French : `` Mardi Gras Point '' ) near Fort Jackson . The earliest organized Carnival celebrations occurred in Mobile , Biloxi , New Orleans , and Pensacola , which have each developed separate traditions . In addition , modern activities generally vary from city to city across the U.S. </P>
<P> Mardi Gras in the United States is not observed nationally across the country , however a number of cities and regions in the U.S. have notable Carnival celebrations . Most trace their Mardi Gras celebrations to French , Spanish , and other colonial influences on the settlements over their history . The earliest Carnival celebration in North America occurred at a place on the west bank of the Mississippi river about 60 miles ( 96.6 kilometers ) downriver from where New Orleans is today ; this Mardi Gras on the 3rd of March 1699 and in honor of this holiday , Pierre Le Moyne , Sieur d'Iberville , a 38 - year - old French Canadian , named the spot Point du Mardi Gras ( French : `` Mardi Gras Point '' ) near Fort Jackson . The earliest organized Carnival celebrations occurred in Mobile , Biloxi , New Orleans , and Pensacola , which have each developed separate traditions . In addition , modern activities generally vary from city to city across the U.S. </P>
mardi gras in america began in what city
mardi gras in america began in what city
at a place on the west bank of the Mississippi river about 60 miles ( 96.6 kilometers ) downriver from where New Orleans is today
at a place on the west bank of the Mississippi river about 60 miles ( 96.6 kilometers ) downriver from where New Orleans is today