The Back Story on Mardi Gras
Well, the 2018 Carnival Season that ran from January 6th to February 13th is over. Let’s take a quick look back to see how things went this year.
The Mayor of New Orleans, Mitch Landrieu, summed it up very nicely on February 14th. He said, “Each year, we look forward to Mardi Gras. It’s the City’s signature event that shows the true culture and flavor of New Orleans. I just want to thank all New Orleanians for their cooperation and enthusiasm about this event.”
BEHIND THE SCENES
Like many big undertakings, there is an enormous about of work that goes on behind the scenes – dedicated individuals have to be there and do “hands on” work. Just take a look at these mind-blogging stats released by the New Orleans Fire Department for the 2018 Mardi Gras season. They acted on:
§ Sixty-two fires plus 1,163 medical and 732 other calls for service including nine “working structure” fires (residential or commercial buildings)
§ And they inspected 34 parades (including 973 traditional floats, 167 truck floats and 319 parade flambeauxs (dazzling gaslight torches)
A BRIEF HISTORY
The origins of Mardi Gras can be traced all the way back to Rome and Venice in the 17th and 18th centuries. The first Mardi Gras parade was held in New Orleans in the middle of the 19th century. (That’s all I’m going to say because when I researched this date I found that there’s no agreement anywhere.) One more point: The Carnival season officially starts on January 6th every year.
Read this info carefully. If it looks confusing – it’s not because you need new glasses. Take note:
§ Our lives would be greatly simplified if Mardi Gras were scheduled on the same date each year, like Christmas or July 4th. It’s not
§ Back in the day (we’re talking several centuries) the Catholic Church established movable dates for certain religious holidays, e.g., Easter can fall on any Sunday between March 23rd and April 25th
§ Now, listen up. Mardi Gras is scheduled 47 days before Easter. It can occur on ANY TUESDAY from February 3rd through March 9th
§ My head is spinning. Let’s keep it simple: next year plan to come to Mardi Gras on TUESDAY, MARCH 5TH, 2019. I rest my case
HERE’S A FUN THING TO DO
Take yourself over to Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World for a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at New Orleans Mardi Gras traditions. We did this and we loved it. They’re open seven days a week, from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. And get this, they offer a complimentary shuttle for those interested in taking a tour. CLICK HERE to find out more about this eye-popping attraction that draws umpteen visitors from all over the U.S. and the world.
A JULY EVENT: PAYS HOMAGE TO THE FAMOUS ENCIERRO OF PAMPLONA, SPAIN
The Big Easy Rollergirls dress up as bulls and chase crowds dressed in Pamplona-style white outfits with red scarves. This upcoming “Running of the Bulls” is the 12th Annual Celebration of this colorful event. It takes place from July 13th to the 15th in the French Quarter. CLICK HERE for more information.
Running of the Bulls in New Orleans
Another wild idea: See that horizontal strip of white in the center of this photo? That’s a huge Pillow Fight in Union Square, New York. UPDATE: On April 7, 2018 this event was held again with the rule: no feather pillows.
NO TWO ROOMS ARE ALIKE
Did you know that none of the rooms at Rathbone are alike? Each one has its own distinct style and personality. Is this deliberate? Of course! We want each guest to feel special. That’s also why we have a TV, microwave, fridge and coffee maker in every the room. Southern hospitality at its best!
Shaun Nelson-Henrick