Photo of the Day: Mardi Gras Mambo
I’ve spent many a Mardi Gras in the city of New Orleans. I used to travel nearly every year to this great city for either Jazz Fest or Mardi Gras. It’s been way too long, however, since I’ve been there. With all the hubbub with the Superbowl (GO SAINTS!) and the fact that Mardi Gras is next week, it’s made me long for this great city. Here’s a little primer if you’re an uninitiated Mardi Gras person.
Doubloons (coins, pictured above) are thrown from the floats to the usually inebriated crowd as floats roll by.
Masks are worn throughout Mardi Gras festivities until Fat Tuesday, when all the partying ceases. It’s a way to be anonymous amongst all the revelry without having to be fully costumed.
Beads, like the doubloons, are thrown from the floats – often to women who bare it all. See a female who’s decked out in a lot of beads and there’s a good chance that she’s been showing some skin.
Laissez les bons temps rouler!
See more lovely photos at DeliciousBaby’s Photo Friday!
Travel Well!
Beth
Related links:
Photo of the Day: Aloha Oahu
Photo of the Day: Pushkar Camel Fair
Photo of the Day: Vietnam Temples
Photo Credit: Doubloons – howieluvzus
Photo Credit: Mardi Gras Mask – caitlinator
Photo Credit: Mardi Gras Beads – smoorenburg
9 comments
I have never been to New Orleans but I share your sentiment of thinking about New Orleans.
I love these pictures Beth. They’re so colorful! My husband and I are going to New Orleans for the first time at the end of March and I’m really excited to try the food and experience the city for myself.
Pretty pictures…thanks for sharing. I am in Virginia this year for Mardi Gras. The first time in many years that I am not on the Gulf Coast for Mardi Gras. I miss King Cake!
I’ve never been to Mardi Gras bout would love to go, especially after looking at your colorful photos. The closest I’ve come was a stay at a b&b in Bay St. Louis. Of course since the hurricane, the building no longer exists. Love the food from that part of the world.
gorgeous colors!! i like the middle one best.
Oh, this makes me happy — thanks for sharing this. I lived in New Orleans for a few years, and Mardi Gras was much different than I expected. Contrary to the scenes shown of rowdy tourists in the French Quarter, the it’s a fantastic family affair that’s celebrated for weeks. Happy Mardi Gras!
Beth, I have only been to New Orleans once, for a week, and it happened to coincide with mardi gras (which was not even why I was there!). AND I was staying in the French quarter. It was so. much. fun. I am not much of a party animal, but I was swept up by the energy, spirit, music, food, traditions, and joy that was everywhere. I will for sure go back someday, probably for jazzfest too. It’s an awesome, wonderful city. Thanks for sharing.
Wonderful shots. They really bring out the color and beauty of the dubloons and beads. I am really looking forward to being back in the city this Spring! Your post made my excitement kick up yet another notch!
I’ve been craving some King Cake … probably even more so since I can’t get any here in Calabria!