If you don’t live in New Orleans, you probably don’t see a whole lot of Mardi Gras parties, and you probably don’t own a Mardi Gras mask. So if you do get invited to a Mardi Gras event you might not think it’s a big deal, but don’t take your choice of mask lightly.

One of the worst things you can do is go to Mardi Gras without a mask. Just like any other costumed event, the person who didn’t bother is the groaner of the party. Get into the festive spirit of the occasion by showing up with, at a minimum, some face paint and glitter on your face – but better yet an honest to goodness, bona fide mask.

Second, not every kind of mask is right for the occasion. If you go to a costume shop and just ask for a mask you might get all kinds of stuff that is great for Hallowe’en but not for Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras masks are a specific kind that go back to Renaissance festivals. They are usually not full-face masks and will often look very theatrical and even classy. If you are unsure of what to get, ask for a Harlequin mask, which is a perfect example of this style of mask.

Wearing a Mardi Gras mask is a way of getting into the medieval spirit that underlies Mardi Gras itself. It shows that you are part of a night of revelry that uses anonymity to play with social mores. It is the mask that allows for such a laissez faire spirit in the first place – so put one on and enjoy it!