Objectives:
- Virtual tour of a country during a significant holiday: Mardi Gras in New Orleans
- Expressions to describe customs and culture.
- Read about Mardi Gras.
Expressions to Describe Customs and Culture
1. It’s the Custom To
“In many cultures, it’s the custom to greet guests with a warm welcome.”
2. It’s Customary To
“In formal settings, it’s customary to dress in business attire.”
3. It’s Common To
“It’s common to celebrate birthdays with parties and gifts.”
4. You’re Not Supposed To
“In some cultures, you’re not supposed to speak loudly in public places.”
5. It’s Traditional To
“During the harvest festival, it’s traditional to share food with neighbors.”
6. It’s Typical To
“In urban areas, it’s typical to see diverse food options available.”
7. It’s Expected That
“At weddings, it’s expected that guests will bring gifts for the couple.”
8. It’s Considered Rude To
“In many Asian cultures, it’s considered rude to point at someone.”
9. It’s A Norm To
“In Scandinavian countries, it’s a norm to prioritize work-life balance.”
10. It’s A Good Idea To
“When visiting someone’s home for dinner, it’s a good idea to bring dessert.”
New Orleans
One of the most famous carnivals in the world is in New Orleans, USA. It is called Mardi Gras, which is French for 'Fat Tuesday', the day when people would traditionally eat up all the fat before starting the Lent fast. The celebration in New Orleans lasts around two weeks, with a parade every day. Groups of people, called 'krewes', dress up in special costumes and ride on decorated floats. They throw small gifts to the people watching, especially strings of beads. There are also many balls, especially masked balls. Mardi Gras is very popular with tourists, and it is estimated that well over a million people visit every year to join the celebrations.
Questions:
1. What is Mardi Gras and what does its name mean?
2. How long does the Mardi Gras celebration last in New Orleans?
3. Who participates in the Mardi Gras parades and what do they do?