The celebration of Carnival has existed in North America for more than 300 years.  On March 4, 1699 prior to discovering New Orleans, French Explorer Pierre le Moyne Sieur d'Iberville and his men first landed on a spot 60 miles south of the present site of New Orleans. 

Knowing that same day was a holiday in Paris, Iberville and his men celebrated and named the land "Point du Mardi Gras".  This marked the first Mardi Gras celebration in North America.

 

 
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