|
|
| MARDI
GRAS IN NEW ORLEANS |
| New
Orleans….the mere mention of the
name conjures up pictures of floats, maskers, beads, doubloons
and the pure joy of Mardi Gras. From the family atmosphere
of St. Charles and Napoleon Avenues, to the party feel
of the downtown and French Quarter areas, there is a place
to parade watch for everyone of every age and size. The
celebration that is Mardi Gras is deeply rooted in the
French tradition of New Orleans. |
|
|
The
celebration that is Mardi Gras is deeply rooted in the
French tradition of New Orleans. Begun as a "New
World" carryover from the pre-Lenten Parisian Mardi
Gras, the New Orleans festivities evolved from private
balls to foot parades to float parades (started in the
mid 1800s) to the extravaganzas of today. The organizations
that provide the Mardi Gras parades and balls are called
"krewes". All do so at their own expense, thus
providing what has many times been called the "Greatest
Free Show on Earth". The Mardi Gras celebration begins
on January 6 (Feast of the Epiphany also known as Kings
Day) and continues through Mardi Gras Day (the day before
Ash Wednesday). The traditional "king cake"
is associated with and eaten during the entire Mardi Gras
season. Also during this time, most carnival krewes have
their balls or supper dances. Formal parades in New Orleans
and the surrounding parishes begin about two weeks before
Mardi Gras Day. The festivities reach a crescendo on the
weekend before Mardi Gras Day and that level continues
through Fat Tuesday. Houses, lampposts, people, and even
horses are dressed in the colors ofMardi Gras-purple,
green and gold. New Orleans for a brief time each year
is transformed into a place where the everyday world is
cast aside. Beads, doubloons, cups, and numerous other
krewe throws are tossed to thousands of happy parade goers
shouting,
"Throw me something, mister. "
Laissez les bon temps rouler |
| Book
your Hotel Room in New Orleans for Mardi Gras 2008
Today! |
Important
Mardi Gras 2008 Parade Information
|
|
| | |
