When most people think of New Orleans, Mardi Gras is usually the first thing that comes to mind. Although, Mardi Gras did not originate in New Orleans, it is by far the most recognized throughout the world. Hundreds of thousands converge on the city for two weeks of parades, partying, and an all around good time leading up to Fat Tuesday. For my first trip to New Orleans, I wanted it to be during the biggest block party in the world and Mardi Gras 2007 did not disappoint. If you are like me, I did not know anything about Mardi Gras except for what you see on the COPS show.
Mardi Gras have its roots in the Roman Catholic religion. Mardi Gras begins on January 6, and goes until midnight on Fat Tuesday. The date of Fat Tuesday changes each year as it follows the schedule of Easter. Fat Tuesday could be as early as Feb 3 or as late as March 9. Mardi Gras typically refers to the last two weeks leading up to Ash Wednesday, or the beginning of the Lent season.
On my first visit to the city known as “The Big Easy”, I had no idea what was in store for me as I made my way down to the famous French Quarter. I lucked up with a parking space on the street which was a lot better than paying $30 to park and at night it can get very crowded in the French Quarter. I made my way down an alley until I arrived on Bourbon Street and was immediately lost in the crowd. I grabbed an ice cold beer and began my journey down the street toward the parade route. Although I only walked a couple of blocks, I had already accumulated enough beads as to make it seem like I had been there all day. I felt like I was in a Girls Gone Wild video as women everywhere were flashing to get beads. Alcohol can make even the pastor’s daughter turn into Paris Hilton.
The next day was Fat Tuesday and for Mardi Gras 2007 that happened to be February 20. It is a good idea to arrive early in the morning to grab a parking space. Be prepared to walk about a half mile to get to the French Quarter. During the last two weeks, the parades increase in size and frequency and whether you arrive during the day or at night, you can always catch one. If you want to see a particular parade, consult the schedule on the Mardi Gras website so you can plan your day accordingly. Just as the floats were elegantly decorated, so were the party goers. Many came dressed in drag; others looked like they stepped out of a sci-fi movie, and even the Pope showed up.
As night fell, the party got even wilder as Lent slowly approached. Since Lent forces you to give up something you like until Easter, i.e. alcohol, everybody is trying to get their fair share before the clock chimes midnight. As the hour approached to signal the beginning of Ash Wednesday, the police got in position to take back the streets. At exactly at midnight, the police using officers on foot, horses, motorcycles, and patrol cars, began clearing the streets. Weeks of partying day and night finally comes to an end.
If you plan to take your kids to Mardi Gras but are concerned with the nudity and the many sex shops that line Bourbon Street, there is an alternative. Many Mardi Gras parades take place in the suburbs such as Metairie, which are more family oriented and still has the festival spirit but without the nudity and excessive drinking.
There are a couple of things to remember to make your Mardi Gras experience a pleasurable one. First, stay in the French Quarter or downtown. New Orleans has a high crime rate and ending up in the wrong neighborhood could cause you problems. Second, keep your wallet in your front pant’s pocket. With hundreds of thousands of people in a confined area, it is a breeding ground for pickpockets. Lastly, watch where you walk in the French Quarter as the streets is covered in beads and it is very easy to slip and fall.
My visit to Mardi Gras is everything that I thought it would be. Three days was not enough, but I am already planning for Mardi Gras 2008.