"Mardi Gras" means "Fat Tuesday." Traditionally, it is the last day for Catholics to indulge—and often overindulge—before Ash Wednesday starts the sober weeks of fasting that come with Lent.
I recall my husband telling me stories of his trips to New Orleans when he was young with his buddies and other fun-seekers to celebrate the festivies there in their grand scale with colorful parades in such a party-loving city. He also was celebrating his birthday as well.
I personally have never been to New Orleans have you?
After watching the devastation of hurricane Katrina slam into New Orleans at the end of August 2005, I was surprised that within a few months the city decided that Mardi Gras would go on. Kudos to all that made it possible!
Fortunately, they had safely stored their parade floats before the hurricane. Some of the most popular parade routes, including St. Charles and Magazine Streets, were spared in the storm. For after-parade decadence, the French Quarter also emerged relatively unscathed.
After watching the devastation of hurricane Katrina slam into New Orleans at the end of August 2005, I was surprised that within a few months the city decided that Mardi Gras would go on. Kudos to all that made it possible!
Fortunately, they had safely stored their parade floats before the hurricane. Some of the most popular parade routes, including St. Charles and Magazine Streets, were spared in the storm. For after-parade decadence, the French Quarter also emerged relatively unscathed.
I got to see New Orleans before Katrina struck down there. We saw lots of historical buildings that were destroyed with the hurricane. It was sad to hear about what happened knowing how beautiful some of them were. Happy Mardi Gras to you and hope your enjoy Fat Tuesday!
ReplyDeleteLove NOLA, have been twice and we are going again in May. Never been to Mardi Gras though, I think it would be too crowded.
ReplyDeleteHi Rose, good to see the alert for Roses!
ReplyDeleteWe love New Orleans 'Nawlins', we were there four weeks after the hurricane. The French Quarter and Bourbon street looked the same, except for the crowds. I was amazed how fast they recovered the historic part of town and even had some tourists.
Our main stop is "The Cafe' du monde" for some Begniehs (sp) and chickory coffee. The last time I was there you would have thought Fat Tuesday, Sherry and I had three orders of beneighs and a couple cups of coffee.
We lived just up the road at Biloxi for a couple years. Never been there for Mardi Gras. I too think it would be too crowded for my liking.
Love you lady and it doesn't seem we are gonna make our customary trip down your way, we were hoping
so much to meet with you for coffee or dinner. Maybe next year.
Sherry & Jack
I have never been to New Orleans but I would really like to go within the next few years.
ReplyDeleteI would also like to go back to Italy during Carnevale in Venice.
Janice S.
I have been to New Orleans, and had a great time there...not a hard partier though, but went to the zoo, had my pic taken in the French Quarter, Got a daquiri at Pat Obrien's, and ate a Beniegt (<--spelling?) with Chickory Coffee and cream at Cafe du Monde. This was all PRE KATRINA and way before that too. I enjoyed riding the trolley. Have never been to Mardi Gras and decided maybe it was not for me. I kinda like a quiet scene. lol
ReplyDeleteI've been to New Orleans but it was no big whoop. Of course, I was on my way to Fort Polk, Louisiana for Army basic training and that may have affected my attitude.
ReplyDeleteJimmy