Mardi Gras Parades – I loved every minute!

We could hear the faint music of the marching bands as we peeked our heads in front of the crowds to catch a glimpse of the first parade coming down St Charles Street. It was Friday and there were 3 parades scheduled for the evening. We arrived early not knowing where or when to go, and took a seat on the curb for a few hours. By the time the parade arrived, the street was packed with happy spectators.

As the floats approached we were all on our feet arms in the air, waving instinctively for the treasured throw. There was so much to watch, everyone seeming to have a special way to catch the attention of the float riders. People were calling out special catch phrases, children on shoulders and ladders, adults in lighted hats, ladies in matching leopard outfits. 

The time had finally arrived….the float riders scan the crowds and throw with intention, careful not to throw too hard and careful to try to make sure everyone gets something. And then it happened, while watching a rider make that decision, they looked at me, and threw the necklace my way. I watched it dance through the air, stretched as far as my 5’1″ arms would let me and caught my first set of beads.

Oh the joy, I felt that childlike glee of a surprise present, feeling special, yet even more, better even, part of the crowd now all wearing beads. I felt part of Mardi Gras! And what fun it was. I smiled and waved back to the rider, who smiled back and gave me a thumbs up. 

By the time the Cleopatra parade was over, we were covered head to toe with bead necklaces, blinking headbands, hats, glasses. We embraced it all that first night, a night I’ll never forget.

The joyful feeling of being part of Mardi Gras stayed with me throughout the 12 parades we watched. We met wonderful people at the parades, sharing the throws. We had much fun bringing a broom to reach the throws that were in the street beyond the barricade. Sweeping them out of the way before they were crushed. And sharing it with fellow parade goers to do the same. 

AND….I even caught a set of beads from Harry Connick Jr.! And caught it on video, lol.

Jazz was ringing out and calling you in

We attended Jazz performances a few times a week, our favorite venue was Fritzels Jazz Pub. It goes without saying that Preservation Hall was a classic and not to be missed. The free show that the Rangers put on at the National Park was also a favorite due to all the jazz history facts that he mixed in between songs.