Four free printable Mardi Gras masks are perfect for learning more about and celebrating the holiday of Mardi Gras.

What does Mardi Gras celebrate….

I live in central Ohio where there is nary a Mardi Gras parade in sight. A t first glance this holiday may feel like an excuse for a party it’s actually a holiday with a long history of tradition and beauty.

Mardi Gras takes place on the day before Ash Wednesday.  Ash Wednesday is the beginning of the forty day celebration of Lent. While Lent is often viewed as a time for fasting and reflection MArdi Gras is a time to indulge- the last hurrah before the more serious season of Lent.

Parades and balls are a big part of the New Orleans Mardi Gras celebration.  In early days these celebrations were hosted by secret “krewes.”  In order for the krewes to remain secret they wore masks.

Masks are a big part of the Mardi Gras celebration.  Masks come in three basic varieties.  The bauta variety of masks covers the entire face.  The Columbina conceals half of the wearer’s face. (That’s what I’ve provided here!) And the Medico della Peste type of mask features a long, plague doctor type beak. No matter the shape of the mask they were sure to be heavily decorated with vibrant colors and beautiful embellishments.

four black and white printable Mardi masks to color and decorate

Make your own Mardi Gras mask…

I’ve made four free MArdi Gras masks to help you and your kiddos get into the spirit of Mardi Gras. They each print on standard 8.5 x 11 sized paper. Printing on card stock will make your mask a bit sturdier to wear and ready to take any color your young artists want to throw at them.

The colors of Mardi Gras…

Since these Mardi Gras masks print in basic black and white it’s time to add some color!  Simple solutions would be to use markers or crayons but feel free to be creative! Additions of feathers, sequins, or any small embellishments will make these masquerade masks even more festive!

Traditional Mardi Gras color are purple, gold, and green.  These colors are said to symbolize justice, faith, and power. Adding in a bit of history like the meaning behind these popular colors is an easy way to add a bit of content to this Mardi Gras craft!

Mardi Gras masks for kids to make

Grab these free printable Mardi Gras masks now…

If you want to grab these free printable Mardi Gras masks use the form below to become a KTC subscriber. Then go check your email and confirm that, yes, you meant to subscribe. After confirming you’ll be sent a subscriber only password that will give you immediate access to my Free Resource Library.  With that password you’ll be able to find these Mardi Gras masks under the heading “Holiday Resources to Print” plus hundreds of other printable resources- all free for my subscribers!

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Mardi Gras masks for kids to color

Mardi Gras books for kids…

Despite that fact that Mardi Gras isn’t widely celebrated in our area it’s always fun to learn more about a holiday so rich in culture and tradition.  These children’s books an are great way to present the holiday of Mardi Gras in a super kid friendly way!

black and white Mardi gras masks and Mardi Gras masks colored with marker

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