Mardi Gras is one of those celebrations students recognize instantly — but in French class, it can become so much more than beads and parades. Teaching Mardi Gras in French offers a rich opportunity to explore culture, history, music, and language all at once.
With the right activities, French Mardi Gras can feel immersive, meaningful, and exciting for students at any level.
What Is Mardi Gras in French Culture?
The term Mardi Gras literally means “Fat Tuesday”, the last day of celebration before Lent begins. In French-speaking cultures, Mardi Gras is traditionally associated with carnival celebrations, costumes, music, food, and public festivities.
While Mardi Gras is celebrated in different ways across the Francophone world, New Orleans offers one of the most vibrant and culturally rich examples of French Mardi Gras traditions still alive today.
Teaching this context helps students understand why Mardi Gras exists — not just how it looks.
Use a French Virtual Field Trip to Introduce Mardi Gras
One of the best ways to hook students is by letting them experience Mardi Gras visually and culturally.
A French virtual field trip to Mardi Gras à la Nouvelle-Orléans works beautifully as an introduction activity because it:
Immerses students in authentic visuals and sounds
Keeps instruction entirely in French
Builds background knowledge before deeper activities
Using a slideshow-style virtual field trip allows you to guide students through:
The history of Mardi Gras
Carnival traditions
Jazz and music culture
Modern celebrations in New Orleans
This format works equally well for in-person instruction or distance learning, making it easy to project in class or share on Zoom.
French Mardi Gras Activities That Bring Culture to Life in Your French Classroom
Build Curiosity with Anticipatory Questions and Videos
Starting your Mardi Gras unit with anticipatory questions gets students thinking before they even realize they’re learning.
Questions like:
Qu’est-ce que le carnaval ?
Pourquoi porte-t-on des masques ?
Pourquoi la musique est-elle importante à Mardi Gras ?
Pairing these questions with short French videos about New Orleans, jazz, and Mardi Gras celebrations helps students make cultural connections while listening to authentic French.
Extend Learning with Reflection and Discussion
After exploring Mardi Gras through a virtual field trip, students benefit from reflecting on what they’ve learned.
Some easy extension ideas include:
Class discussions about Mardi Gras traditions
Short written reflections
Compare-and-contrast activities with celebrations students already know
These reflection activities reinforce comprehension while keeping the focus on culture.
Why Mardi Gras Works So Well in French Class
Mardi Gras naturally blends:
Culture
History
Music
Visual learning
Language practice
By using a French virtual field trip as the foundation, you create a shared cultural experience that makes every follow-up activity more meaningful.
French Mardi Gras doesn’t have to be chaotic or superficial — it can be one of the most engaging cultural lessons of the year.
👉 Click here to download 30 FREE activities to help your students speak more French!