Everyone has heard of Mardi Gras, but not everyone can explain what it is or why we observe it.

French for “Fat Tuesday,” Mardi Gras is the day before Ash Wednesday (marking the start of the Lent season in Christian Faith. Lent ends at Easter).

Because Lent inspires many Christians to fast (refrain from eating and indulging in rich, decadent foods), Mardi Gras is all about consuming the richest of all rich foods on the last day possible before Lent commences.

Mardi Gras takes place on Tuesday, March 1, 2022.

Although celebrations for Mardi Gras are most notable in New Orleans, people all over America and across the world recognize the occasion with festivities of their own. And that’s precisely why our POD efforts in this niche must be aimed more broadly at diverse audiences and places.

Target Audience: Women aged 18-50 are a key buying audience for anything and everything Mardi Gras related. Interestingly, unlike many festivals and celebrations which tend to attract party-goers who are generally inclined to “live it up,” Mardi Gras is unique in that it equally attracts routine partiers and those not inclined to party. For example, an ordinarily quiet librarian or mild-mannered nurse would break from their anti-partying norms in order to cut loose for Mardi Gras. In short, this celebration has broad appeal across diverse audiences, especially females.

Messaging / Visual Themes to Consider: Reinventing the wheel isn’t necessary in the Mardi Gras niche, you merely need to expand your target audience to include specific people, places, and things — parents, professionals, hobbyists, animal lovers astrology signs, residents of specific cities or geographic regions. I’ve probably sold the bulk of my Mardi Gras designs in recent years to audiences looking for designs featuring dogs in beads, party goers in specific cities, and celebratory themes centered on pharmacists, teachers, newly divorced people, among countless other niche groups.

Bottom Line: Think beyond New Orleans and those along the parade route on Bourbon Street. From an aesthetics perspective, successful designs will include, emphasize or feature:

  • Beads
  • Carnival
  • Desserts
  • Doubloons
  • Face-painting
  • Floats / Parades
  • French Quarter
  • Gumbo
  • Hangover quotes
  • Hedonistic pleasures
  • Jazz music
  • Masks
  • New Orleans
  • Seafood
  • Souvenirs
  • Throws (items that can be tossed)
  • Voodoo

From office parties and grocery shopping, to costume balls and private use to simply feel more festive, any tshirt, tote bag, PopSocket, phone case or baseball cap that captures the inimitable spirit of Mardi Gras tailored to the user and presents a celebratory tone will likely be well received by Mardi Gras enthusiasts.