In the 1920s, one of the parade Krewes, which we'll explain in a moment, started throwing glass Czech beads, which led to the plastic bead necklaces we know and love today.

Plastic beads used as Carnival throws entered the market in the early 1950s in New Orleans, ... more durable plastic necklaces from Hong Kong, then elsewhere in the People’s Republic of China.

Beaded Candy Necklace from Irene Neuwirth. Photo: Handout. Bucci fondly remembers making plastic beaded bracelets during summer holidays as a child, a tradition she revived when she became a mother.

Mardi Gras can make a lot of trash, adding up to millions of pounds each year. Now, some parades in New Orleans are cutting down on their environmental footprint by banning plastic beads.

Mardi Gras beads are creating a plastic disaster in New Orleans. Are there alternatives? by: The Associated Press. Posted: Feb 12, 2024 / 11:50 AM EST. Updated: Feb 12, 2024 / 03:24 PM EST.