Mardi Gras throws are strings of beads, doubloons, cups, and other trinkets passed out or thrown from the floats in the New Orleans Mardi Gras parades to spectators lining the streets. The "gaudy plastic jewelry, toys, and other mementos (are) tossed to the crowds from parading floats"[1]. Mardi Gras celebrations in other Gulf Coast cities, such as Mobile and Lafyaette, have adopted the custom. "The goodies, or 'throws,' consist of necklaces of plastic beads, coins called doubloons, which are stamped with krewes' logos, parade themes and the year, plus an array of plastic cups and toys such as Frisbees or figurines".[1]
Spectators have traditionally shouted to the krewe members, "Throw me something, mister!", a phrase that is iconic in New Orleans' Mardi Gras street argot. Just as iconic is a request for women to expose their breasts as an incentive to receive the best throws.[2]
Some krewes have specialty throws, for example the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club hand painted coconut[3] or the Krewe of Muses shoes and mirrors.