I had good intentions of writing this post the day after Mardi Gras, but NOLA got away from us, especially with the arrival of my other roommate Katie. So here goes.
I fully expected Mardi Gras to be a loud, drunken bacchanal filled with underage drinking and other debauchery. I had been warned that pick-pocketing was rampant, and to stay hydrated. Family cautioned against flashing for beads. But these aren't the things I experienced at all.
Lundi Gras: Krewe Proteus followed by Krewe Orpheus
After arriving at the parade route a few hours before it was scheduled to pass by, we settled in a grass patch next to the road. We watched the rest of the parade-goers pack and unpack various BBQ paraphernalia, open up chairs to reserve spots for relatives coming later, and play with their children in the blocked off street. People of all ages, genders, races, and outfits passed by as they made their way to their chosen vantage point. Music played. I wandered up the street for a few tall cans to drink while we waited. We befriended a French Canadian couple sitting near us, who hadn't had plans to visit NOLA until they saw a Carnival parade in Corpus Christi. And all this, even before parade began.
As the floats came down the street, we all stood in excitement and anticipations. We caught beads and other trinkets. We were never packed in like sardines, or made to feel like our space was being invaded. I got to appreciate the incredible artistry of the floats, the wonderful music of various marching bands, and catch some awesome souvenirs in the process. It was a thrilling experience, and I couldn't wait until the next day's parades.
AND WE CAUGHT COCONUTS. THREE OF THEM.
But that wasn't even the best part. The most amazing part was that we ended up befriending three young children along the way, as well as various other parade-goers. We helped them catch beads and stuffed animals, and they in turn shared their energy and laughter. The atmosphere was still extremely relaxed, family-friendly, and enjoyable. No pick-pocketers were ever in sight, and we still never felt like sardines. I couldn't believe it. Bead-laden and sunburnt, I walked away from the parades exhausted but so satisfied with our experience.
While I don't feel an urge to return to next year's Mardi Gras, or even the following year, I am so glad I got to experience it. I learned so much more about the traditions, and the celebrations that continued for the months leading up to these two days that we were a part of.
I fully expected Mardi Gras to be a loud, drunken bacchanal filled with underage drinking and other debauchery. I had been warned that pick-pocketing was rampant, and to stay hydrated. Family cautioned against flashing for beads. But these aren't the things I experienced at all.
Lundi Gras: Krewe Proteus followed by Krewe Orpheus
After arriving at the parade route a few hours before it was scheduled to pass by, we settled in a grass patch next to the road. We watched the rest of the parade-goers pack and unpack various BBQ paraphernalia, open up chairs to reserve spots for relatives coming later, and play with their children in the blocked off street. People of all ages, genders, races, and outfits passed by as they made their way to their chosen vantage point. Music played. I wandered up the street for a few tall cans to drink while we waited. We befriended a French Canadian couple sitting near us, who hadn't had plans to visit NOLA until they saw a Carnival parade in Corpus Christi. And all this, even before parade began.
As the floats came down the street, we all stood in excitement and anticipations. We caught beads and other trinkets. We were never packed in like sardines, or made to feel like our space was being invaded. I got to appreciate the incredible artistry of the floats, the wonderful music of various marching bands, and catch some awesome souvenirs in the process. It was a thrilling experience, and I couldn't wait until the next day's parades.
Mardi Gras: Krewe Zulu, Krewe Rex, and the truck floats
Although we enjoyed the Lundi Gras parades, we were not under any illusions that Fat Tuesday was going to be that calm and relaxed. We got up early, protected are important belongings from potential pick-pocketers, and coated ourselves in sunscreen. My friend Will had told me that getting there early ensured a spot and maybe a coconut, an apparently coveted gift from the float riders. Once we arrived, it did take some pacing and scoping out to find the perfect place. We settled between a large family who was already enjoying their daiquiris in the street, and a collection of chairs waiting for the family from the neighboring home to come out.AND WE CAUGHT COCONUTS. THREE OF THEM.
But that wasn't even the best part. The most amazing part was that we ended up befriending three young children along the way, as well as various other parade-goers. We helped them catch beads and stuffed animals, and they in turn shared their energy and laughter. The atmosphere was still extremely relaxed, family-friendly, and enjoyable. No pick-pocketers were ever in sight, and we still never felt like sardines. I couldn't believe it. Bead-laden and sunburnt, I walked away from the parades exhausted but so satisfied with our experience.
While I don't feel an urge to return to next year's Mardi Gras, or even the following year, I am so glad I got to experience it. I learned so much more about the traditions, and the celebrations that continued for the months leading up to these two days that we were a part of.
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