Giant papier-mâché masks at the Venice Beach Mardi Gras Festival, 1935 On August 16th, 1935, California’s fabled Venice Beach kicked off its very first Mardi Gras Festival. The celebration (which was inspired by New Orleans’ Mardi Gras) included events such as parades, the Miss California Beauty Pageant, the coronation of Queen Venetia by King Neptune, and a gala ball that concluded the three-day celebration. Miss California on her float surrounded by giant papier-mâché masks during the Venice Beach Mardi Gras, mid-1930s Clark Gable mask, Venice Beach Mardi Gras, mid-1930s Since you can’t have a proper Mardi Gras party without giant papier-mâché masks, take a gander at the ones hanging out on Venice Beach in the following photos from the mid-30s. The masks, which were three to four feet tall, are as whimsical as they are super creepy. Which makes them totally fun to look at. Come on everybody, let’s party like it’s 1935! Wheee! Venice Beach Mardi Gras masks, 1935 Venice Beach Mardi Gras, 1935 Giant papier-mâché masks at the Venice Beach Mardi Gras, 1930s Giant papier-mâché masks hanging out on Venice Beach during...