Here in New Orleans, it’s time for Mardi Gras, everyone! Outside of a post here or there, I’ll be gone until it’s over. Until then, check out My Mardi Gras Experience and @MyMardiGras for posts from me and others about our experiences from Mardi Gras.
Whizzing By, Krewe of Sparta, New Orleans, LA
My introductory post on My Mardi Gras Experience yesterday, My First Mardi Gras as a Local:
Let’s just say life is moving pretty fast at the moment.
I moved to New Orleans this past December, and I was surprised that friends were already talking about Mardi Gras.
It seemed like something so far away, and all I could really focus on was the simple bits of life, like finding my way around town, figuring out what restaurants and bars to try, avoiding potholes and digging into all the life New Orleans offers so easily, abundantly, readily, if you bring an open mind, heart and eye.
As Mardi Gras crept closer and closer, I started getting (and asking) for more bits of advice on how to really enjoy the festivities. “Pace yourself” is a bit I heard often.
My typical answer of “I’m not that good at pacing” was usually met by a rueful look and a laugh, and the not-so-gentle note that I better get better at it, fast.
Over the last couple weeks, though, friends started worry less about me and more about their own preparedness for Mardi Gras. Everyone started talking about “not being ready for Mardi Gras” and “trying to get as much stuff done as possible before Mardi Gras” (at least that’s what they talked about when they weren’t talking about the Saints) . Everyone said to just clear your calendar once Mardi Gras starts; dive into New Orleans and resurface to the rest of the world after Fat Tuesday.
Oh, I’ve seen Mardi Gras before, I figured I knew what they were talking about. I’ve been to Mardi Gras five times previously as a tourist, driving and flying down from Virginia and Chicago with friends. I’d walked the French Quarter at 4 AM and seen the street cleaners try and wash away the night’s festivities; I’d wandered out to Uptown and walked through the Garden District; I’d stayed by Tulane, Mid-City and the Quarter; I’d tried local restaurants and gone to many bars; I’d shoved my way through the dense crowds late at night in the Quarter.
“Oh, I know what Mardi Gras is like.”
But I’ve got the sinking feeling that I don’t.
I had never been to Mini-Gras. I had never really understood the traditions underneath the surface, right in front of my eyes but dead to my tourist heart. I hadn’t paid attention to the ladders or the neutral ground parties or the social structure of Mardi Gras. I had experienced one sliver of Mardi Gras five times.
This year is about experiencing the rest of Mardi Gras.
That’s why I’m looking forward to chilling with friends watching the parades, enjoying BBQs in the neutral grounds Uptown, going to a ball, riding in a float and cheering on friends in parades.
But moreso, I’m looking forward to asking a lot more questions, to viewing things with a fresh eye. That’s why I’m excited to be contributing to My Mardi Gras Experience.
Ready or not, Mardi Gras is coming. Here we go.
