Rita Moreno, a true icon, brought a touch of New Orleans to the heart of Northern California as she joyfully marked her 93rd birthday. This momentous occasion took place on December 7th, four days prior to her actual birthday, in the Berkeley area. The West Side Story star was the honored guest at a Mardi Gras-themed party that was filled with vibrant colors and lively spirits.

Celebrating 93 Years with Love and Laughter

Family and Friends: The Heart of the Celebration

Rita Moreno's 93rd birthday was a gathering of 60 dear friends and family members. Among them were her daughter Fernanda, former One Day at a Time costar Justina Machado, and the Netflix comedy's executive producers Brent Miller and Mike Royce. These loved ones filled the evening with warmth and joy, creating memories that will last a lifetime.During the lively celebration, a brass band played several enchanting songs, including a special rendition of "Happy Birthday." Guests offered sweet toasts to the EGOT winner, who looked stunning in a purple sequin jacket emblazoned with "Queen of Mardi Gras" on the back. It was a sight to behold as Moreno was surrounded by those who hold a special place in her heart.

Themed Delights: Purple, Green, and Gold

The color scheme of purple, green, and gold added to the festive atmosphere of the birthday party. Moreno dubbed the day "Fat Saturday," a play on "Fat Tuesday," the final day of Carnival and the Christian feasting period before Lent. This attention to detail made the celebration even more special, as every aspect was designed to pay homage to the Mardi Gras spirit.In lieu of a traditional cake, Moreno had a chocolate fountain with strawberries, pretzels, and other delectable items for dipping. It was a unique and indulgent treat that added to the fun of the evening.

Memorable Moments: Yelling "Hey You Guys!"

At one point during the celebration, Moreno, inspired by others, let out her famous catchphrase from the 1970s educational program The Electric Company, "Hey you guys!" This moment added a touch of nostalgia and playfulness to the evening, showing Moreno's ability to connect with people on a deep level.Moreno also took the opportunity to celebrate and show off her Barbie tribute doll from Mattel, which was launched on November 20th. In a statement in November, she said, "I was a girl who decided to go for it, and despite the challenges I faced, I never gave up on my dreams. That's what I hope this doll inspires in each and every girl today: to live their life with courage and resilience so that they can make their dreams a reality."

Last Year's Birthday Bash: Multiple Events Considered

Moreno has always been one to enjoy a good party. Last year, ahead of her 92nd birthday, she told PEOPLE that she was considering multiple events. "Here's the problem now: I have a condo that I absolutely adore. It's beautiful, but it won't hold all of the people that I have for my birthday, because I always have fabulous birthdays," she said.And indeed, she had at least one bash. At a dinner in London with fellow theater stars Patrick Wilson, Audra McDonald, Daniel Dae Kim, and Aaron Tveit, who were all across the pond to sing at The Rodgers & Hammerstein 80th Anniversary Concert, Moreno made a surprise appearance and added to the magic of the evening.Rita Moreno's 93rd birthday celebration was a testament to her life filled with love, laughter, and a passion for celebrating. It was a day to remember, filled with memories that will be cherished for years to come.