PLAQUEMINES PARISH, La. (WGNO) — Members of the Rex Organization gathered at Fort Jackson to celebrate the 325th anniversary of the first Mardi Gras in what would become the United States on March 3.
According to a news release, the first Mardi Gras celebration was held on March 3, 1699, in Buras, Louisiana.
The release states Pierre Le Moyne, Sieur d’Iberville and other explorers held the 1699 celebration.
“Iberville found the Mississippi, and when he arrived on March 2, Father Anastase Douay said, ‘This is the spot. This is the main pass of the Mississippi.’ The next day, they came up the river to Pointe du Mardi Gras, which they named the first non-Indian name of anywhere in Louisiana Territory,” said Monsignor Christopher Nalty.
On March 3, 1999, Rex Organization members dedicated a historic marker at Fort Jackson to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the celebration.
At Sunday’s event, Rex Organization members were joined by Nalty, France’s Consul General in New Orleans Rodolphe Sambou, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, Plaquemines Parish President Keith Hinkley, Plaquemines Parish Councilman Mark “Hobbo” Cognevich and more.
Rex, Louisiana and Plaquemines Parish leaders attended a ceremony and shared “a wish that we all never cease to love celebrating Mardi Gras.”
“For the next 325 years and beyond, we hope Mardi Gras is still being celebrated in New Orleans, throughout Louisiana, Mobile, Memphis, and by all who love celebrating it wherever they are on this planet and beyond. May we all never cease to love celebrating Mardi Gras,” said Rex Organization Vice President James Reiss III.
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