LATE FEBRUARY.
SOME TOWNS JUST KNOW HOW TO THROW A GOOD PARTY.
The city of New Orleans just can’t help itself, and during the annual Mardi Gras it’s a no holds barred, free-for-all, fun time. The motto of the festival is ‘les bons temp rouler’ which translates to ‘let the good times roll’.
WHY MARDI GRAS AND WHY HERE?
Mardi Gras is French for ‘fat Tuesday’, which, for those who observe the Christian calendar, is a sign it’s time to go all out before Lent begins, when it’s expected you’ll reign it in and behave yourself. The French are credited with bringing Mardi Gras to New Orleans, but it’s the mix with the mystic and pagan ‘krewes’ that gives Mardi Gras in New Orleans its edge.
CAN WE JOIN A KREWE?
The krewes are exemplified by different parades which actually represent different neighbourhoods or local communities. They’re themed and highly decorated with epic floats and awesome costumes. If you’re a visitor and not part of a krewe, you’ll have to settle for epic and awesome dancing, drinking, music and mounds of the famous colourful beads.
