bhofack2/Getty Images Mardi Gras isn’t subtle, and neither is this sugary, rainbow-colored confection. Find out what king cake is all about—and what’s up with the baby hidden inside. Mardi Gras is arguably the biggest, flashiest party in the country. With its grand parades, colorful beads, elaborate masks, and booze-filled revelry, you probably think you have a pretty good idea of what Mardi Gras is all about. But there are plenty of things you may not fully understand about this pre-Lenten celebration, including the history behind its many popular traditions and the reason why Mardi Gras float riders have to wear masks. There’s also another sweet tradition that you may have heard of: eating king cake—and finding the “baby” inside of it. But what is king cake, and why is it such an integral part of Mardi Gras?