Happy Mardi Gras! Histoy and Traditions of New Orleans must be different than I think. That's what I thought when I woke up this morning.
I remember when I was working for Bass Inc. back in 1992 in Montgomery Alabama I experienced my first King cake. That was a bit foreign in to me along with the whole Paczki donut thing. I just got a text from my youngest son saying "Pick up some Paczki mom they are delicious!"
After visiting New Orleans in November I must admit that I was curious as to what the real scoop was on Mardi Gras. I had a feeling it was different than what I perceived. I found things from the locals when I was there that totally changed my perception, so I figured Mari Gras would be no exception. Growing up in the mid west Mardi Gras to me was a bunch of drunk people and women who went topless to get beads. But my business coach moved to New Orleans with his family. Now I got to thinking……what is Mari Gras really about?
So I did some research and found this great website all about Mari Gras Histgory and Traditions.
Here are some of the things I found:
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"Mardi Gras is about music, parades, picnics, floats and excitement. It's one big holiday in New Orleans!
Everyone is wearing purple, green, and gold, and adorned with long beads caught from the beautiful floats. You'll see a lot of crazy costumes, kids everywhere, and both locals and visitors having a great time. People sit on the ground, throw balls, play music, eat great food and watch the crowds walk by between parades. During Mardi Gras, all of the businesses and roads are practically shut down. People walk everywhere and meet new friends."
Coming from the mid-west I can't even imagine most the businesses and roads shut down for this event….honestly I had no idea! For example, did you know how the official Mardi Gras colors (purple, green and gold) were chosen?
- Rex selected the official Mardi Gras colors in 1872 to honor the visiting Russian Grand Duke Alexis Alexis Alexandrovich Romanoff, whose house colors were purple, green and gold. The 1892 Rex Parade theme "Symbolism of Colors" affirmed the colors' meaning. FIND OUT MORE HERE (hint: how LSU & Tulane got their team colors!)
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The Mardi Gras History and Traditions website has received many letters regarding the yearly celebration they enjoy in New Orleans, Mardi Gras – the Greatest Free Show on Earth! Click on the links to see the mis-conceptions we have about Mardi Gras!
- On the website they talk about Mardi Gras Parade Krewes (pronounced Crews).
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Each Mardi Gras Parade Krewe has a unique history and theme. Some have been around for decades, while others have been in existence for just a few years. CLICK HERE TO SEE A full list of Mardi Gras Parade Krewes.
Here's a Little Mardi Gras Parade for you!
*all content above taken from Mardi Gras New Orleans.
I must admit that my eyes have been opened to a different side of New Orleans and Mardi Gras. It's my hope that you learned something fun and new today as well! Thanks for stopping by and leave a comment on what you thought was most interesteng of what you learned that you didn't know I'd love to hear from you!
HAPPY MARDI GRAS!
"Laissez le Bon temps rouler" Let the good times roll!!!
