Mardi Gras is probably not something that comes to mind when you think about Star Wars. In fact, I don’t know of any official Star Wars products created for the parade that takes place on the holiday to celebrate the last day before Lent. But that hasn’t stopped the making of some interesting unofficial items.
Each year Krewes, clubs that create a float for the Mardi Gras parades held all over the world (most notably in New Orleans), pick a theme and create trinkets like beads and doubloons to throw to the parade spectators. Some of these themes have centered around motion pictures or Science Fiction which have Star Wars elements and some have been completely Star Wars-centric. Yoda, R2-D2, and X-Wings have featured prominently in these themes as seen by the doubloons pictured from the 1980’s. These are just a sampling of fun Star Wars-related items celebrating “Fat Tuesday.”
Another interesting item with Star Wars iconography is the drinking glass for Movie Night at the 40th Annual Ball of the Mystic Stipers Society (not to be confused with the Mystic Strippers) for Mardi Gras in 1979. In addition to the X-Wing and King Kong, seen in the photo, the glass also depicts Steamboat Willie and Elvis.
So, if you ever have the chance to attend a Mardi Gras parade, be sure to check out the items being dispersed by the Krewes. You never know when you might end up with a unique Star Wars collectible.