Have You Ever Been To New Orleans At Mardi Gras Time?
By kelligirl
@kelligirl (25)
United States
October 29, 2006 9:35pm CST
Though I live in Florida now, I lived most of my life along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and the Greater New Orleans area. I have been to many Mardi Gras celebrations and have seen some wild things. Have you been? Do you have a story to share? Or do you have a picture to share?
1 person likes this
7 responses
@TereFaerie (386)
• United States
1 Feb 07
This year will be my fourth Mardi Gras since I moved here and I can't wait! Krewe de Vieux is this weekend! I will rarely go to the Quarter, but for walking parades, I'll make an exception.
Last year for Bacchus my husband built a box smoker and smoked a whole pig! We're going to do it again this year!
Have fun!
@kelligirl (25)
• United States
10 Mar 07
It sounds like you all know how to do Mardi Gras right.
Just a little bit of Mardi Gras trivia: There are organized walking groups that will walk ahead of the parade or sometimes in the middle of the parade. They carry these pole holders that hold paper flowers that have a wire stem. Women will go up to the men walkers, and men will go up to the women walkers. The tradition is that you give them a kiss, and they will give you a flower. The girls especially like to get the flowers, so they can wear them in their hair. Mardi Gras is a very festive time. People wear full costumes or just accessories, such as beads, funny hats, flowers, and feather boas. The kisses that are exchanged for the flowers range from a quick peck to a very long french kiss. It can be quiet amusing to watch.
@kelligirl (25)
• United States
10 Mar 07
Yes, it can be a blast. It's one giant street party after another.
@kelligirl (25)
• United States
31 Oct 06
Thanks for replying. I hope you get to go someday. It is not all good; it is not all bad. It is just a unique experience.
@zeeterman (1066)
• United States
10 Nov 06
Yes I have. Twice. In 1990 and 1995.
I had a great time both times.
Though the first time we were there, our van got broken into and all of our stuff was stolen. Even though we took precautions, like backing the rear of the vans out-of-state license plate against a wall in a pay lot, we still got robbed. Bummer. But I think precautions like parking in a hotel garage, or instead just flying in might avoid any hassles. The actual walking around and seeing parades and open drinking is a hoot and fairly safe. Travel with buddies. Stay out of the bad neighborhoods. The city has a unique vibe found nowhere else. Visit the cemeteries and the shops. The bars are great as are the eateries and the music. You'll see many unique costumed revelers, diabolical floats, and people from all over the world! I recommend it highly. At least once.
@kelligirl (25)
• United States
10 Mar 07
Wow! I'd say you had the real experience. And thanks for the good advice. It can be safer if you are smart and stick in groups.
@strangegurl16 (78)
• United States
9 Feb 07
This will be my fifth Mardi Gras living here and I am so excited. I went to the French Quarter my firs year here, and that scene was not for me. I enjoy going out to the parades though. This is actually my 2nd (and maybe last year) living right on the parade route. It's a time for my friends and I to get together and have some fun!
Parades start tonight. Let the good times roll!
