Mardi Gras 2010

The Peace Corps did a great job by moving our departure date to March 2010 instead of September 2009. It gave us the opportunity to spend an entire year traveling across the country - and put us landing in Louisiana just in time for Carnival season (aka Mardi Gras)!

Alexis, sitting in a gutter spout, entertaining herself until parade time.

I loved going to Houma parades as a kid, and when I was in junior high and high school I marched in them. I honestly had no desire to go to another parade, but going to a parade with my 2-year old niece and 6-year old godchild couldn't have been better.

Austin screaming "Throw me something, Mister!"

His enthusiasm was contagious!

Some quick facts on Mardi Gras:

• Mardi Gras arrived in North America as a French Catholic tradition
• "Fat Tuesday" occurs the day before Ash Wednesday, and it is in preparation for the 40 days of prayer and fasting observed by Catholics.
• "Throws" (beads, trinkets, stuffed animals, etc.) were first seen in New Orleans in 1871.
• Mardi Gras colors were introduced in 1872 by the New Orleans Krewe of Rex. The colors are purple (for justice), green (for faith), and gold (for power).
• Mardi Gras became a legal holiday in Louisiana in 1875. Thank you Governor Warmoth for signing the "Mardi Gras Act."

I thought Austin was going to wet himself when he
saw the Clydesdale horses leading the parade.

Many of the floats are home-made, but others are colorful and elaborate. Lots of time and money go into the design and completion of the floats. If you are ever in New Orleans, take a tour of Mardi Gras World to see a float pro at work.

But Mardi Gras parades aren't just about floats. There are local school bands, show cars, charity groups like the Shriners, and dance teams.

Ah - the white jacketed men of Selucrey
Parade goers are fond of these gentlemen who
swoon bystanders with a dance and rose.

Captain Tim Bergeron served as a motorcycle officer with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Department. He was killed while escorting floats to for the Krewe of Titans parade.
Every float in every Houma parade had a note of condolences and thanks
to the late Tim Bergeron.

Yes, this says "Krewe of Krazy Kajuns"

"Who Dat" was everywhere in celebration of Super Bowl XLIV

It is hard to imagine thousands and thousands of people waiting for hours on the side of the road to catch beads and trinkets, but you soon realize it is all about the celebration. (Although, I used to make a lot of money selling my caught beads back to krewe members.)

My sister and her daughter, Alexis - enjoying the moment.

A sampling of the Mardi Gras crowd
(And this is just in the little 'ol town of Houma!)

A krewe member enticing the crowd.

I believe that everyone should attend at least one parade in New Orleans just to experience the chaos, then attend a parade or two in other towns across Louisiana. Either way - I can guarantee you'll "pass a good time."

Laissez Le Bon Temps Roulet