PLASTIC FANTASTIC
King cake baby: a Mardi Gras tradition
— By Andru Shively —
This past Tuesday saw the culmination of Carnival celebrations in many corners of the world. Known as Mardi Gras in the US Gulf Coast city of New Orleans and the wider region, one of the more recognisable local customs are the “throws”, the plastic beads and other trinkets tossed from parade floats to revellers in the streets. While these are on display out in the open, another plastic practice is kept hidden.
This past Tuesday saw the culmination of Carnival celebrations in many corners of the world. Known as Mardi Gras in the US Gulf Coast city of New Orleans and the wider region, one of the more recognisable local customs are the “throws”, the plastic beads and other trinkets tossed from parade floats to revellers in the streets. While these are on display out in the open, another plastic practice is kept hidden.
 Waiter, waiter, there’s a baby in my cake! (Photo: PantherMedia/urban_light) |
Traditionally served at Mardi Gras get-togethers are the gold, purple, and green-sprinkled king cakes, into which the host hides a tiny baby made of plastic. The figurine, symbolising the Christ Child, is said to bring luck and prosperity to the guest who finds it in their slice. Dubbed “king” or “queen” for the night, the finder takes over baking duties the following year.
Thus, at Mardi Gras, you can have your idiomatic cake and eat it, too – please just remember to look before you chew.
07.03.2025 Plasteurope.com [257488-0]
Published on 07.03.2025