We got home last night from yet another fun-filled visit to New Orleans. As usual we had wonderful time and loved spending the weekend with family and friends. But it’s funny – recently I’ve noticed that when I mention our family trip to Mardi Gras I get some rather strange looks and comments. One lady this morning said, “Wow, you’re brave!” but with a hint of disapproval. Another exclaimed “There is no way I would ever take my kids to Mardi Gras!” accompanied by what I’m pretty sure was a judgmental, condescending look. Were they really judging me? Why did I suddenly feel like an unfit mom?
But I took a deep breath and tried not to take it personally. I realized that if you’ve never been to Mardi Gras, the phrase might conjure up images of drunkenness and girls gone wild on Bourbon Street. And admittedly, that is a definite part of Mardi Gras. But really only a sliver of what Carnival is all about. In fact, in most places Mardi Gras is very kid-friendly and truly a wonderful thing to do as a family. To put it this way – we saw six parades over the weekend and I didn’t see a single fight, drunk falling over, illegal drug, extreme PDA, wardrobe malfunction or – gasp – a single boob sighting. Seriously, nada. But I did see: kids on their dads shoulders laughing and singing, little girls in tutus happily bouncing around, children waving at clowns from their parade ladders, faces sticky from cotton candy, neighbors and friends laughing and enjoying potluck-style food. I saw two very attractive college girls who weren’t lifting up their shirt for beads, but instead entertaining my toddler with their toy bubble guns they bought from the peddling vendor. Elizabeth was mesmerized and the girls were so sweet, I would have loved to have those girls for babysitters!
So to clear up any misconceptions for anyone who has never been to Mardi Gras, or perhaps went years ago in college and never left Bourbon Street, I came up with a list of reasons why you SHOULD take your family to Mardi Gras. Give it a try.
10 Reasons You Should Take Your Kids to Mardi Gras:
1). It’s Free
For locals this is a given, but should not be taken for granted. Where else can an entire family spend all day with live entertainment, beautiful works of art, culture and tradition and come home with bags and bags of goodies – all for free? There is nothing else like it. Our family loves to go the Rodeo here in Houston – it’s huge and massive and a blast for the kids. But let’s face it, between tickets, carnival rides, games, food and souvenirs our family of five can easily spend a small fortune. Mardi Gras you can pack your own cooler of food and drink and enjoy hours of entertainment for free.
2) Diversity
One of the things I love about Mardi Gras is the diversity. At any point during Carnival you can look down the Avenue and see people of different race, age, socio-economic background and lifestyle all invited to the very same party. And everyone is having a good time with a common goal – to catch the best throws from the floats! I love living in The Woodlands and know it’s great place to raise a family, but I think it’s good for my kids to get a taste of something else and see some people that are, well, different from most of their neighbors here in the ‘burbs.
3) Tradition
Mardi Gras is tradition. The balls, masks, parades, everything about Mardi Gras is based on tradition. The old Krewes are made up of people whose parents and grandparents were members. The balls are very formal and extremely secretive. When I moved to New Orleans at the ripe old age of 24 it was all new to me and I was amazed at everything involved. I quickly realized I didn’t understand most of it, but was intrigued nonetheless. In this day of social media and TMI, it’s refreshing to see things that are still meaningful, sacred, special and yes, secretive. I want my kids to see people taking great pride in long-standing traditions.
4) People Don’t Take Themselves Too Seriously
Another thing I love about Mardi Gras is that people don’t take themselves too seriously. It’s a time when everyone can let loose. Take the 610 Stompers – a group of “ordinary men with extraordinary moves.” In “real” life these guys are doctors, lawyers, teachers, bankers, etc. But when you see them busting out their moves in their hilarious outfits of short shorts, tube socks, tank tops and sweatbands it’s just plain funny. I love people that have a sense of humor and know how to have a good time. Plus they support local nonprofits in the community – a win-win for all. During Mardi Gras if you happen to run into your doctor and he’s dressed as Scooby Doo most locals wouldn’t even think twice. That’s the norm. Well, unless they have surgery scheduled early the very next morning. Then they might be a teensy bit worried. But otherwise it’s no big deal.
5) Unbelievable Works of Art
Visually, Mardi Gras is spectacular. The floats, costumes, decorations, even some of the coveted throws are truly works of art. Countless hours go into the designs and production, and the end results are astounding. The Krewe of Muses is famous for the beautifully decorated shoes they hand out during parades. The Krewe members put hours into handmaking each one. They are gorgeous and each one is truly a masterpiece. And of course the coveted Zulu coconuts are individual and a true treasure for the lucky recipients. I’ve been in many offices where Zulu coconuts were proudly displayed on bookshelves next to fine pieces of art.
6). Learn Valuable Life Lessons
This year I had to watch as Allie learned a tough but important lesson – life is not fair. She was sitting in a parade ladder when a float rider threw her a fluffy stuffed animal. As she reached she lost her grip and the puppy fell to the ground. Before I could grab it another little girl snatched it up and claimed it for her own. Now I have to say overall most people are very nice, and if a throw is obviously intended for someone – particularly a small child – people will generally hand it to the intended recipient. But not always, and sometimes it’s just a tough break. In this case the little girl probably didn’t know any better, but the way she excitedly held her puppy up for everyone to see, jumping up and down hugging her new prize didn’t help the situation. One look at Allie said it all. She had silent tears running down her face. Pretty soon the tears turned louder and before long she was crying uncontrollably and gasping about her puppy in between breaths. No doubt the crying was enhanced by the lack of naps on top of the sugar she’d eaten all day, because we have a room full of stuffed animals that never get played with. However, in that moment it was a huge deal and she was devastated. The mother bear in me wanted to barter with the other girl, maybe try to trade the puppy for something else. Or somehow track down another puppy that very night. But of course I held back. I knew Allie was learning an important lesson. Life isn’t fair. Sometimes you get lucky and win the top prize. Other times it goes to someone else. It’s not always fair. She got over it eventually, and soon was distracted when she caught a strand of blinky lights and a moon pie.
7) Costumes!
Most kids I know love costumes. Both boys and girls love to dress up as superheroes, princesses, firemen, you name it. They also love to see people dressed up (don’t all little girls freak at seeing Cinderella at Disney World?). Well let me tell you, you will see all sorts of costumes and random outfits during Mardi Gras – and kids are encouraged to participate, too. I saw lots of little girls in their purple, green and gold tutus and tiaras and boys in crazy hats. There were tons of wigs, boas, and other accessories. The costumes can be elaborate or simple, but it’s fun to see so many people getting into the spirit. Down toward Bourbon the outfits can get a bit raunchy and not so kid-friendly, but uptown it’s mostly G-rated and basically just pure silliness.
8). Because Every Kid Should Feel Special
Part of the thrill of Mardi Gras is catching the best stuff. Each parade has its coveted throws and people are on the hunt to get them. My first Mardi Gras I was thrilled to rack up as many beads as I could, but that got old fast. I soon started to become more particular about which beads I caught, offloading the plain ones to someone else or throwing them on the ground and holding out for better, cooler ones. Now I think it’s fun to get the most random things I can. I don’t want beads, I want that rubber chicken (yes, our friend Tapash caught a rubber chicken this year). Or the stuffed animal, or the tambourine, or the giant cornhead I came home with one year. But there’s something about making eye-contact with a rider, getting pointed at and then being handed a four-foot long spear or a football shaped like a bunch of grapes. It’s hard to describe and sounds silly, but you feel special. Every kids should have that feeling. When they get that funny hat or giant alligator it makes them happy. And I’ve never been to a parade where every single child didn’t come home with SOMETHING cool. Even if the thrill is temporary, it makes them happy to be “chosen.” And who doesn’t want that for their kids?
9) It’s Just Plain Fun
I remember how in awe I was that first Mardi Gras. I couldn’t believe that the entire city threw a party for two weeks. I’m not sure what I expected. Maybe I thought Mardi Gras was just a really, really fun day, or at most a weekend. But it’s truly two-week long celebration filled with parades, balls, food, parties (actually more if you count the Krewe du Vieux the weekend before, which I do but it’s definitely not on the family friendly list!). My fascination peaked on Fat Tuesday. I kept thinking that while the rest of the country was at work or school, business as usual, I was on somebody’s shoulders, bloody mary in one hand, trying to catch a Zulu coconut at 8am. Conference call? TPC report? Not today! It’s fun to escape reality for a bit, no matter how big or little your responsibilities are. Kids are so over-stressed these days between homework and extra-curricular activities that they need time to just have fun, too. So go put on a crazy hat and dance in the neutral ground. When the bands start playing you just can’t help yourself.
10) Support New Orleans
New Orleans has come a long way since Katrina. In many ways it’s bounced back even stronger and better than before. But in a city so dependent on tourism it’s important for people to continue to visit to the city. Go eat at the amazing restaurants, stay in the hotels, catch a parade, listen to the live music and take in the atmosphere. New Orleans needs you. And, to be honest, we need New Orleans. There truly is no place like it.
*Update: after reading a very moving story from New Orleans, I felt compelled to add a Bonus #11 to the list.
I wanted to thank you for this beautiful blog post, and let you know that it’s being reposted on Facebook, so your blog is getting some awesome publicity! Those of us who are from New Orleans and know and love the city understand that Mardi Gras is for everyone, but you made a great point when you said that not everyone does. Thanks for your kind words about the best city in the USA!
Thanks and I agree – there truly is no place like it! New Orleans will always have a special place in my heart.
I totally agree with your comment. Being from New Orleans, it is always great to see someone who values the city for its treasures. Your blog presents a different aspect of Mardi Gras to those who are skeptical to visit during this season. Thanks again!
OMG, This was so thought out, so wonderfully worded. I am so proud to be from New Orleans, and to know that other people love this city as I do. I could not beleive how well you put my thoughts, on Mardi Gras as you have. It is a wonderfull experience. You can only come here and bring your children to understand!!!! I have been lucky to experience this from a very young age. I have always felt the energy you can only experience it if you witness it …. I do prefer to take my baby (12 years of age to the Family Gras in Metairie.) Keep New Orleans for adults.. Fair is fair. But New Orleans for children should still be for children, and crowds, usually do respect that. If they can not, then they should go home!!!!!!! Children in the front, parents in the back. Everyone should always respect this rule. Most people from New Orleans, or Metairie, Keep this rule in their harts…Our kids come first. Mardi Gras is for all. A free party, free art show, free toys, and other cool “throws” but our kids are always to come first. Then you mix it with people say around the world, “the best food in the world” it equals HOME to all!!! Come one, come all, and only for children of all ages, YOU ARE HOME!!!!!!!!
Thank you for this article. As a New Orleans native, I grew up with Mardi Gras, Momma bundling us up while Daddy secured the ladder to the roof of the station wagon. Mardi Gras is in my blood! If I may add:
Those of you who are little hesitant to go Uptown for parades, try Metairie. It’s a bit more low-key & family-oriented. Also, the first weekend, Metairie hosts Family Gras, a 3-day free concert directly on the parade route (some of the artists this year: the Doodlebops, Cowboy Mouth, Hot Chelle Ray, the Pointer Sisters – something for everybody!)
Also, if you don’t want to keep all your beads, don’t throw them on the ground – both St. Michael’s Special School & The ARC of Greater New Orleans accept Mardi Gras beads to sort, repackage & resell to benefit children & adults with special needs. The ARC even set up a trailer that followed some of the Uptown parades for people to deposit their unwanted beads immediately & they also have several drop sites around the area.
Mardi Gras 2013 is February 12 – start planning now!
Thanks for sharing, and great advice about donating the beads!
I also just found out that one of my favorite local retailers, Fleurty Girl (www.fleurtygirl.net), has set up her shops to be bead drop-points for St. Michael’s!
Your article about Mardi Gras put it in perspective for those who do not understand the complexity of the season. I lived in New Orleans from 1961 to 1998 and raised three children in Uptown New Orleans. My son returns each year and rides in the Krewe of Tucks. He brings his family, friends and introduces them to the other side on New Orleans. He always comes back to Connecticut with a renewed appreciation for the wonderful restaurants and spontaneity of the people.Laissez les bon temps roules!
Couldn’t have been said any better. It’s so true – if you’ve never been, you just don’t get it! There are so many ways to enjoy Mardi Gras. Before my husband and I had children, we’d go to the quarter. Then we spent many enjoyable years on St. Charles with the kids. Recently, we discovered the St. Ann parade in the Marigny – no floats, no throws, just costumed groups walking and costumed spectators having a blast.
This is nice to hear. Yes, there are some bad things that happen during Mardi Gras. For the most part, when you think of how many people are the city at the same time the FUN trumps the bad.
Thank you so much for saying what I’ve been telling people for a very long time now. I’m a 50 something native New Orleanian who still loves to spend Mardi Gras uptown surrounded by friends and family. We are still carrying the ladders and we don’t have any small kids or grandkids. We bring them for our friends and our kids friends that have kids!
As one person with our group that happens to be from Atlanta said this year–” if every city had a Mardi Gras the world would be a better place. It gives me that special. “Christmas” feeling!
Thanks again for saying it so well!
I thought you might like this video collage my hubby did of this year. It shows what you are talking about!
That is great!! Thanks for sharing – makes me ready for next year!
What a great video. even though I didn’t know one single person in it, it didn’t matter. We all have the same memories!
Awesome video collage. I really enjoyed it. The music fit it perfectly.
OMG – thanks for sharing! We are apparently right across the street from you at Rex. I have almost the same picture of “pixal boy” at 2:57, my friend Tinkerbell is in the background at 3:08 and my husband and son are in the background at 4:09 with the purple, green and gold wig! Thank you for sharing the video and the post!
awww, another well put comment. i too get that christmas kinda feeling! xoxo
Your words were beautifully put. I’m living in Houston now and to here awesome things about my hometown, brings tears to my eyes.
I think one reason Mardi Gras is frowned on is that it seems to be a wild party before people ask forgiveness and become “religious” by participating in Lent, etc. I’m from Louisiana, but I’ve always had a negative view of Mardi Gras because of that. A fun party is great, but going wild (for some), knowing you are going to turn around and ask forgiveness seems hypocritical. I realize your family isn’t “going wild,” and you make Mardi Gras sound like so much fun, which it was for you all. Any insight into the “religious” aspect?
As a native New Orleanian, I can honestly say that I, and no one I know for that matter, think of Mardi Gras as a reason to party and act crazy before Lent. For most people here, Mardi Gras is a family event.
Sounds like it has evolved into something else than the original meaning, which is great!
well, in my mind those people who go hog wild won’t be the same folk i encounter on ash weds. those folk dont bother with church.
I have known a few who did that, but you are probably right.
I’ve always expalined it as “tourists behaving badly” because that’s what they think they are suppused to do thanks to the travel channel and sensationalized media. I’m not saying boobs for beads doesn’t happen in some parts but real self-respecting New Orleanians don’t act like that and it is such a small part of the whole MG experience, it is also easily avoided by sticking to the family areas. For me, Mardi Gras is better than Christmas because you have food, family and fun without all the stress and expense. I see relatives at MG who are too busy to come in during the holidays visiting their “other side” but at Mardi Gras we are all invited to the same party <3. There's really nothing to "confess" or "repent" during lent but it is nice after all the revelry to have a spiritual season of quiet reflection.
Thanks for the insight! Very helpful.
Thank you so much for this wonderful post. The national media has tainted the rest of the country’s view (and possibly the rest of the state, by the looks of Pam’s comments) by only focusing on the craziness of Bourbon Street (which isn’t even on a parade route). They don’t realize that outside of that 2-3 block area on one street, the rest of the city and the entire region, in fact, is celebrating Carnival family-style. And tourists may not know that Canal St. is the “line of demarkation”, with miles and miles of parade route that are enjoyed by hundreds of thousands.
Mardi Gras is a wonderful event put on by the City of New Orleans and other public agencies in our area, and hosted by all of its citizens (who pay for the parades and throws). We do big events like this better than anyone in the world, and it shows. And we’re all gearing up for a SUPER Mardi Gras season next year, with the Superbowl falling in the middle of Carnival season! It is going to be absolutely amazing–my kids, husband and I can’t wait!
Thanks again!
I”m a native and current resident of the city, and just wanted to thank you for such a wonderful commentary on our famous holiday! Not many people truly get it, but You do! Thanks for sharing
Thanks for all the great comments. I’m happy that my post resonated with so many – sounds like once Mardi Gras gets in your blood it’s there for good, no matter where you may be living today. I have such fond memories and know I’m not alone. And now that I’ve had a few days to recover, I’m already looking forward to next year!
We just got back to New York yesterday from Mardi Gras, with our kids, 6 and 2. We finally listened to our friends down there, who have been saying basically the same things as you for years, and we were the first to take them up on it. Every word of your post is true, we had an incredible time, our 6 year old most of all. The parades along Napoleon were perfect for families We stayed uptown until Wednesday, then shifted down to the French Quarter to let the kids experience that. It was a better environment for the kids during the “hangover” from Mardi Gras. We’d certainly do it again.
I love it! So glad you made the trip and that your kids had a blast. And good call, I bet the Quarter was a little calmer after Tuesday — but a must to experience as well. Our kids are big fans of the beignets at Cafe Du Monde. Then again, who isn’t?
A wonderful article on our Carnival celebrations! Celebrating the holiday with family & friends is the cornerstone of Carnival and has been since before the days of Comus. It has only been since the advent of the superkrewes in the 1960s & 1970s that the unwholesome images you conjured have become what most people around the country have come to expect of Mardi Gras. Thank you & on behalf of New Orleans Carnival we look forward to hosting you & your lovely family for many years to come.
As ever, I remain…
Your humble Professor,
Carl Nivale
Professor Nivale! What an honor – thanks for the history lesson and kind words. No doubt we’ll return for many, many more memorable Carnival experiences. We love it.
Thank you.
I grew up in New Orleans in the 50s and 60s and can honestly say the unwholesome image was there long before the superkrewes. Society in general has changed and that reflects in the behaviors during Mardi Gras, almost totally in the CBD, downtown and the Quarter. The superkrewes brought a sea change to Mardi Gras for the better. There is no connection between them and the debauchery, which was always there.
Thank you so much! I am a NO Native but live in Warrenton Va. I take my kids out of school every year for this fun and exciting. I’ve enjoyed Mardi Gras all my life and will continue with my kids. Life is awesome in NO with the great food, music and just lots and lots of family and friends. In the NO voice(Thank You BABY)
Thank You,I’ve been trying to tell people that for years. You said everything I want everyone to know about New Orleans and our Great Mardi Gras.
I have lived in New Orleans for all my 43 years, and never missed a Mardi Gras. Bravo!!! Your post states brilliantly what resides in the hearts of all New Orleanians.
Thank you!!! This is so true and I have posted it
on my FB page for all my friends to see and read. I have
begged friends to bring their kids to Mardi Gras
but my pleas fall on deaf ears because most people
just don’t get it…our family LOVEs Mardi Gras – I am
a mother of 3 small children and we are at every parade!
My children think it is better than Christmas:):):)!!
THANK YOU for noticing all the Good that is in New Orleans…
did you read about Muses and their response to the Autistic
Little girl who was bullied at a parade? Muses and 610
Stompers once again doing the right thing! Proud to
be from New Orleans & proud to say we love Mardi Gras:)
Emily,
You stated wonderfully what Mardi Gras is all about. As a grandmother with children and grandchildren now in Orlando, I still LOVE the memories of Mardi Gras and introducing the next generation to the most wonderful free show on earth. I am so grateful for all the krewes and riders who provide such a wonderful stage show, and for all the folks in the street who contribute to a most wonderful, friendly, warm, and inviting atmosphere … for locals as well as all those who want to come and see what a great good time it is. Thanks SO much for your post. It is truly awesome. Nana
I am so happy to see your blog. We live in Austin Texas, but I was born and raised in New Orleans and my kids LOVE mardi Gras. We just got back from the first week and we have been there several years and my boys adore the tradition. When we leave school here, they write an essay on the history of MG and bring back a book to dedicate to the school library. New Orleans traditions will run through and through
Thank you so much for showing the real side of Mardi Gras. You got it exactly right – why I love it so much and bring my son as often as I can.
This was INCREDIBLY WRITTEN! I am so happy more and more families are expressing the FUN of Mardi Gras! Everyone thinks Mardi Gras is an adult party, but it is NOT! As a child my patents would take us to several parades in one day from Chalmette to New Orleans and back to Metairie! We always had a great time being with family and always meeting new friends! We tell so many stories about our Mardi Gras fun all the time! Since we have always ridden in the Elks truck parade my mom used to tell my brothers and I if you want to throw, you need to catch! Well now that I have 3 kids of my own and are still riding my husband and I tell them the same thing! We went from bringing out the double strollers and changing diapers in a lil red wagon to sitting in a seat on top a latter to now they all received a painters latter for Christmas one year! They all used to sit on the Avenue before and between parades and draw with chalk! The crowds loved looking at their pictures and were always afraid to step on them no matter what age they were!
I call Mardi Gras 3 Fs……..FREE FAMILY FUN! Where else can you go and get free fun, meet friends, and come home with bags of goodies that you caught yourself? Seeing the kids faces with the goodies, especially if they catch it or another stranger hands it to them is what it’s all about!
I sure hope many people share this to inform people that Mardi Gras is not all about drinking and exposing! It’s true FUN!
Blessings to all and I hope people spread the word that New Orleans has the best FREE show on Earth!
My husband went to high school with Ryan! Small world!
Tammy
I too, was raised by a dad, who would take us to 3 parades in one night no matter what the weather (nothing like those good ole days). It seemed like it was a family reunion at times, cus, it was a chance to be with family & friends you may otherwise miss. Mardi Gras Day we would wind up at Lee circle, dressed up as clowns w/ mom’s home fried chicken, then out to Metairie for Argus, and then back to the city for Comus (I believe).
I truly miss those childhood Mardi Gras with my dad, but, the memories are deep within my heart & will live on forever. Tho, he is now gone (since 1979) I truly understand how he could love this season, the way he did. It’s truly a time to celebrate, the ups & downs of life. A time to let the worries & problems go, and a time to let the good times roll. I only wish I had his energy, and not sure how he managed having 7 kids, with 3 jobs at times. Theses are some of my fondest childhood memories.
The year he died, there was the police strike and so the parades all came to Kenner, a mere stones throw from our house. We walked to the parades to see it’s coming & going. He was in his glory, and said if he died during his heart surgery, we should picture him as king of the parade and be happy for him. Tho, he didn’t make it, he left us with that upbeat note in life. I am truly grateful for his positive outlook, and feel that he was a great inspiration. Tho, I am happy he’s in a better place I miss still him dearly.
Living uptown for the first five years of my marriage, gave me the perfect place to celebrate Mardi Gras with my kids. Since, my in-laws still live there, it’s been a blessing to have a place so close to the parade site just 1 block off of Napoleon. Once again, I have many pics & memories of our family outings during this season.
I at first thought since my kids are grown and away, I would pass on parades this year, and yet, something in my blood forced me out to see the parades alone or not. I once again felt my spirit revived & lifted. My kids actually drove 13hrs to come back for Mardi Gras and it did not disappoint. As much as I hate to see it go,I do look forward to St. Patrick’s day. PS, feel free to visit my facebook page to see some of the gorgeous sites & sounds of the season. God Bless!
Thanks Tammy, what a small world! Thanks for sharing – fun memories, and I love your 3Fs! That’s great.
Thanks for the support for the city. I should also mention that the areas outside of the city also have parades & celebrations going on at the same time that are also family friendly & if you do have time to visit restaurants between parades, if the place has been open for more than 3 mos, you can be assured of a good meal, even if it looks like a hole in the wall–they are some of our best kept secrets! Also many schools & charities set up feeding stations as well that serve great local parade traditions like jambalaya.
That is beautiful! You truly captured Mardi Gras without being a native. I now lived half my life in Atlanta and have never felt the community here that you can always expect of New Orleans. And oddly, Mardi Gras too. Thank YOU!
I loved your article and it rings so true. We live in Houston now after living in New Orleans for 12 years. My husband rode in Bacchus this year and we took 2 of our children to the city for Mardi Gras. My 13 year old had way too much fun. My 29 year old did as well. Mardi Gras is fun for every age. Thanks so much for your article. We are planning for next Mardi Gras right now!
Thanks so much for posting this. I was born and raised in NOLA, and have lived in Spring since Katrina. It is hard to explain to my Texas friends about Mardi Gras. All they think about is the boobies. It is indeed a treasured family time.
What a wonderful description of the reason 99% of us go to Mardi Gras…..I am not a native but I always took my Children and have taken my Grandchildren. It’s living a piece of history and tradition. I will always encourage family to go to Mardi Gras……You just said it better than I could.
Loved your post! After your mention of your friend who caught the chicken, I realized that we have mutual friends–my son is in K w/one of your friend’s daughters and was in pre-k w/both girls. And after seeing your pic, realized we were next to y’all on that Sunday! NOLA is such a ‘small town’, and I love that! Great way to educate others about the wonderful experience of Mardi Gras!
Oh how funny! What a small world!! We had a wonderful time and are lucky to have such wonderful friends who took us in (bonus that they live near the parade route)! They also spoke so highly of the girls’ school – such fun stories she made is sound like camp.
What a wonderful and true story about our wonderful city of New Orleans. Thank you for such a great article for those who see Mardi Gras in the wrong way. You have a beautiful family! Please tell Ryan hello for me. I know him from Rummel and my dad! Thank you!
Thanks Shannon! I definitely will.
Wonderfully said! It goes right along with something I posted on FB a few days ago.
“Everyone should learn at a very young age, that if someone from the sidewalk side crosses over to the neutral ground side, that the proper thing to do, is to let the visiting person from the sidewalk side stand there, because their friend is on float #19, neutral ground side, person #4. This helps promotes world peace, just sayin.”
I love it, and so true!! Give peace a chance…
Gotta love this, I had a friend in Endymion on float #5 way up top, and so we’re on neutral ground side yelling our heads off, only to have the passengers puzzled look. They still threw us a handful of beads. Luckily, the float had stopped and I thought quick enough to cross the street and to try again, and there he was. What a thrill for me and the girls to know someone in such a great parade. This was the thrill of the season for sure.
Just to let you know I too lived here all my life, and raised up with Mardi Gras as a tradition. So, I’ve passed down that to my kids as well, who drove 13hrs to be here this yr. If you check out my facebook page you may, see some of the pics and vids i took through out the season, including one in the french quarter where my 17 yr old is dancing and cheering for a street corner jazz band. I am very thrilled to see that someone could do such an awesome job at explaining the pros of the season. And I hope for the kids to pass this on to their highschool teachers who too thought they were too young for Mardi Gras! Thanks so very much for such a masterpiece, job well done, my hats off to you. Please, come back, ya hear?
I was born and raised in New Orleans and I agree, whole-heartedly, with everything you posted in this blog. Only during Mardi Gras, can a child know the freedom that comes along with saying, “Throw me something, mister!!!”. I watched my son and step daughter, last year, begrudgingly say that for the first time and then witnessed the magical look on their faces that came upon them recieving their loot. It is magical and it is what memories are made of. Keep the tradition alive and thank you for supporting the bold and beautiful place that I call home.
well said, hawt! We natives have been knowing about the little secret of uptown and Metairie Mardi Gras for eva, and you have described her essence perfectly. Thank you for getting the truth out.
With kindest personal regards,
Jenn
NOLA native transplanted to Baton Rouge
Your article brought tears to my eyes. When outsiders think of Carnival, it is girls lifting their shirts and drunken orgies on Bourbon St. When I think of Mardi Gras, it is old people, children, families, picnics on the Avenue, pulling your wagon to the floats, making friends with the people you are near on the route – all VERY family friendly. I wish everyone would come to the REAL Mardi Gras at least once – it would be the begining of a lifelong love affair!
Love your post!! We live next door in Quail Creek and also love going to Mardi Gras in New Orleans every year. Thank you for sharing the reasons why!
I grew up in New Orleans but have lived away for 18 years. I began taking my kids to Mardi GRAS when they were very young, first in strollers and wagons and then graduating to ladder seats. When my kids mention that they go to Mardi Gras every year, people in our small, Bible belt town roll their eyes. Thank you for putting into words what it is really about! It exposes people of all ages to history, art, music, traditions and just plain, free FUN! I am proud of my city and happy to know that there are others who enjoy sharing these things with their children. My 12 yr old had the chance to go to Orlando or Mardi Gras this year and he looked at me and said, “Who would EVER pick Disney over Mardi Gras??” to me, that said it all!
Your Story and the following posts moved me to tears as it captured the truth of the season. I am a 53 year old native. The family’s been a part of New Orleans since before there was parades and such.
In answer to your question about the relation between MG and Lent you need to go back to France. Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday is a refrence to the last meal before the restrictions of Lent. When first started Lent was nothing like it is now. During Lent there was no red meat or strong alcaholic beverages served for the entire 40 days of the season. So the tuesday before Lent began Families would throw a feast. To liven the party a special sweet bread would be baked with a bean in it. At the conclusion of the meal the bread would be cut and handed out. The reciepient would then become King or Queen of the rest of the night.
From these roots has Mardi Gras grown. It has always been for the coming together of Family to have fun. The prevelance of the media toward sensationalizm is what has given MG a bad name for those who have never been to our area of the country. You note they show the drunken 20 somthings that run ramped through the Quarter like their on Spring Break in FL. but not the thousands of families that are having a good time in other areas of town. Thus the FALSE meaning of Mardi Gras has been depicted across the country.
In the clean up of Katrina I was injured and am no longer very mobile. Still I go with my family to every parade I can. We set up a chair right on the route, with blankets, food, and drinks. At my age I am no longer interested in the Throws but I love the costumes, bands and pagentry of every parade I am able to attend. Often We meet visitors to our little party and have a great time. I tell the history and little stories about 53 yrs of Carnaval. In my life there isn’t too many carnaval things I haven’t done. I’ve rode in several parades, marched with different groups and bands. I’ve seen the begining and ending of different Krewes. The expanding of Carnival from downtown to all the out laying areas. It has enriched my life and I wish that everyone has the chance to experience it just once in their life. For once they have it will enrich thier lives as well.
On behalf of New Orleans, thank you!
If you guys make it down again next year, please send me an email and I’ll make sure to throw your little girls some Muses shoes!!
Well written and well received! My wife & I have been acting like Mardi Gras Pilgrims for about 20 years now & have made it an annual event. With the addition of our daughter in 1998, she was able to experience her first Mardi Gras in 1999. The family show is certainly easy to find if you know where to go-took us a few times, but now we are certainly pros at finding a parade spot & enjoying those that surround us.
The one thing I would add is we found there are certain days when we prefer to be off the street and have access to food and restrooms and beverages of choice–there are many options for this and we have chosen Michaul’s for the past 4 or 5 years. They throw a great family event and we don’t have to worry about our daughter getting pushed around, or “checked out”, or trying to find a restroom during the parades. It takes some of the stress out of it for us–but yes, it comes with some financial outlay.
Thank you again for writing about your experiences in New Orleans. Maybe we will run into your family out there next year?! We too are from the Woodlands area . . .
Thanks and how fun to hear from another Woodlands-ite! I agree – having access to a dedicated bathroom spot is key. Would love to run into you out on the parade route next year. Or maybe even somewhere closer to home…
I live in the N.O. Surrounding area. Born & raised here on the “Westbank” as we all call it. I enjoyed reading your Mardi Gras Comment. It was a really great way of describing it. Since you were uptown with your children you were in a much safer place. Metairie is also a safe place for families to enjoy the 2 weeks of Mardi Gras. I have a child hood friend that lives in the “Woodlands” & I remember as a child going to Canal St with her mother & her to enjoy Mardi Gras day.
Thanks again, June
Loved reading this!! Brought my kids this year to “St. Chuck” with the ladder that they can barely squeeze into. But it’s such a prime spot…they never want to give it up. It literally puts children on a pedestal. The younger, the better! I love it. They love it! It’s wonderful for them. It has nothing to do with boobs. I have a deep love for New Orleans and sincerely appreciate your taking the time to write such a nice view of the city that I love to my core.
This is an amazing story…all 10 of your reasons were great and touching but # 11 brought tears to my eyes. I truly enjoyed reading all 11 reasons and enjoyed the video. We have open house near the beginning of Endymion every year and everyone truly enjoys the day!!! I was so happy it wasn’t cancelled this year. I had 30 people come to my home even though it was a nasty night with rain. Some were troupers and went to the parade in the rain to support the members of Endymion. You are an amazing Mom, I love the part that you didn’t give in and get that stuffed animal back for your daughter. There are so many parents that are going overboard with children and teenagers to do whatever it takes to give them exactly what they want, they are hurting their children. Your daughter was better off by not getting the stuffed animal and the little girl that caught it may have needed it more. Your story should be posted all over the world and many more stories like this. Better yet it should be handed out to parents in our school system. The joy of Family togetherness is more than money can buy. I Love our City and happy to call it home…
Thanks so much for your kind words. You and so many others that took the time to read and make comments really made my day. It truly is about family, friends and enjoying time together. We made wonderful memories and I look forward to many more to come!
Excellent description of what New Orleans Mardi Gras is really about! Appreciate you sharing your experiences! I hope that you were able to seen Endymion Sat nite and I showered you and your family with throws! Exactly what you have described is why I ride and why New Orleans throws the “Greatest Free Show” on earth! See you next Mardi Gras!
Thank you so much for adding to my smiles this Mardi Gras! Shortly before this season, I sent an email to family and friends, describing much of what you posted….and asking the question what Mardi Gras meant to them. THe reply emails from all are a treasure to me. I printed them and shared them with my parents (too old for the ‘net’). Each person’s take on it was special and had the common threads of family, tradition and love for our city. Many people wondered why, with frowns, wihy the city wanted to hurry and participate in Mardi Gras, just months after Katrina. They couldn’t believe that people would “waste” money and energy on “partying and drinking”. Your words embody the reasons why. It is a way of life, a celebration of life. How could we not have it right after Katrina!. It was a release and a much needed break from gutting houses and mourning neighborhoods. What a better way to honor endurance, our city and so many citizens who left us for parts unknown and heaven above. Again, thank you for sharing your experiences. Your words have touched many New Orleanians!
Thank you for your beautiful love letter to my beloved Mardi Gras! I live and parade in Metairie but thanks to marching with my daughters’ dance team during the season we march all
Over the NOLA metro area. This Metry Chick thanks you!
Great article that perfectly articulates why Mardi Gras and indeed New Orleans is indeed a special city. The very fact that we deem Mardi Gras IMPORTANT at all is a bit remarkable. And, no it’s not just tourist dollars. Mardi Gras parades and carnival organizations are rooted in civic pride, giving back to the community, and a communal sense of joy that is the true spirit of Mardi Gras. As a child there was absolutely nothing even remotely as fun as going to parades and my family was adamant about taking us to as many as possible. As a teenager it was a huge social event where we were allowed to gather in public and be treated as responsible young adults as long as we behaved as such. And of course, as adults it’s great to have a variety of experiences whether it be as custodians and parents safeguarding our children or participating in the parade itself. Mardi Gras is for everyone, just not every city. We know what it’s all about here and it’s one of the main reasons we love our city so much.
can not explain the great pleasure I felt after reading this post..It was nice to hear a positive reaction from a parent w/ children during carnival..carnival is what you make of it. we must remember @ least half the revealers are children! I think the Mardi Gras experience is the greatest…days of fun filled events.:face painting , parades,fine artists,and southern tasty cuisine around every corner..so muli-cultural !!! I would highly recommend a family vacation to the wonderful world of New Orleans @ carnival time..Let the good times roll.
My husband and I live in uptown New Orleans, and we’re fairly new parents (our little girl is three months old). I can’t tell you how much I smiled when my husband sent me the link to this – we’ve had to hear so much hell from well-meaning (but completely out of line) folks about what horrible parents we are for taking our daughter to the day parades.
But you know what? She loved the colors and activity at Zulu in particular. And Zulu loved her, too, if the three coconuts she (erm, I, on her behalf) was handed on Mardi Gras Day.
Mardi Gras along St. Charles Avenue is gorgeous and special, for all of the reasons you mentioned above.
This is wonderful—Thank you sweetheart for putting into words what we(the ones that know),all have experienced and loved for years!!! I sent my daughter, who is at loyola law and lives uptown, a picutre of her and her brother when they were babies in a pack in play in the middle of the neutral ground in 1992. They are both cracking up and sucking on the bottles its what we remember always of our Mardi Gras’ in our beloved New Orleans. Thanks!
Wow! You may live in the Woodlands, but you are a New Orleanian at heart!
I would never have thought of that being a good trip for our family, but you have convinced me. I would love to go to NOLA and can’t wait to take them all with me.
Any good suggestions on planning/schedule to be sure of the family friendliness of the days we would plan on coming?
Thank you so much for writing such a great article. I hope people outside of New Orleans understand just how different Mardi Gras is than what they see on tv.
We took our kids dow Bourbon Street. It was early enough in the day that they heard more than they saw but the experience cannot be found ANYWHERE else. Fabulous post! Happy Mardi Gras!!
Yes,I agree. Mardi Gras is nice and lots of fun. Sad to say that all they show on news etc. is the trashy stuff. I live in Jefferson Parish and it has always been real safe. As a child and young adult I lived in New Orleans and alway and still go in to NOLA to the parades. There are plenty of nice safe areas in New Orleans, and our police department does an excellent job at all times during Mardi Gras.
Thank you all for the comments! I love hearing your stories and fond memories of Mardi Gras. I’ve enjoyed learning more about the history of Carnival, and it’s been a thrill to hear from people all over the country with a true passion for Mardi Gras and the city of New Orleans.
I’d love to reply to each comment individually, but I’ve been busy chasing around those same three kids we took on our trip (you know, real life boring stuff like feeding them, bathing them, etc). But I’ve enjoyed reading every single one and they’ve all made me smile. Thanks for taking the time to read my post. Hope to see many of you next year!!
THANK YOU! I have been trying to say all of this, but since I’ve never lived anywhere else (with the exception of college), I just couldn’t get it all out there. I have shared and tweeted! You’re awesome.
Thanks so much for reading – and for sharing! I love Mardi Gras and am happy to help spread the true meaning
Wonderful Post! I grew up in Slidell and loved Mardi Gras and think every kid should be able to experience at least once! I definitely am going to share this on my facebook page for Sherri May’s Traveling Classroom
Thanks for sharing!
My husband and I were both born and raised in New Orleans. We moved to Charleston, SC when our kids were young. Because our kids never had off for Mardi Gras, over the years, I found it hard to justify taking them out of school. This year I decided to just bite the bullet and go. I appreciated it so much more not haven’t gone for so many years. But more so, my kids, now teenagers, were amazed. We had plans to spend Mardi Gras in Metairie b/c of all the talk of how bad downtown and uptown had gotten since Katrina. I woke up early Mardi Gras morning and heard the floats coming down West Metairie. It was about 6:00 o’clock in the morning. Memories came flooding back of when my siblings and I were young and our parents took us on St. Charles Ave. I scooped up the kids and raced uptown. My daughter took the most amazing pictures, but nothing that made me feel ashamed of bringing them down. Lord willing, this is going to be a yearly event for us and we will spend it in New Orleans where you can feel, taste, wear, and smell the Mardi Gras I remember growing up.
That is a great story! I’m so glad you listened to your gut and made that last minute “detour” uptown! Such fun memories for your kids. And isn’t it funny how Mardi Gras can somehow bring out the kid in all of us?
Great blog — we returned for the first time with kids in tow this year and feel the same as you. Thanks!
Emily, after Katrina & the levee failures someone told me that if there were only two people left in the city, come Mardi Gras one would be riding and throwing and the other would be on the sidewalk catching. I’ve been telling people for years that Mardi Gras is essentially for us, not for tourism, and at its core it’s a family event, But I never said it so well or so thoroughly as you have.
I spent ten years growing up in Houston, and bitterly regretted every Mardi Gras spent sitting in class when I knew what was happening only 400 miles away. Only the birth of our first grandchild in California could keep us away this year. But next year — he’ll be bead bait, up on the ladder his mama and aunt used to sit on!
I love this! Congrats on the birth of you first grandchild – no doubt he’ll fall in love with Carnival next year, too
MY SNAPSHOP OF MARDI GRAS IN NEW ORLEANS (from time I can remember to present time)
1. Family woke up early (about 5:30 AM) and went to stake out our parking space on St. Charles. For some reason, I remember parking under an overpass. Once we found a parking space, ate donuts, hard boiled eggs and fried chicken for breakfast.
2. Walked from parking space to St. Charles. I can remember my father saying…”Let’s not go down that street because the Indians are there”. I still am not sure why my father considered the Indians dangerous…
3. If we were lucky, my family would run into Zulu. This parade did not have a posted route and it was a treat to run into it. At that time, they were allowed to throw the coconuts from the floats. Today, they must hand them to the crowds. Whenever we ran into Zulu, we would always catch at least 4 coconuts.
4. We watched Rex but I can’t remember the truck floats.
5. Went back to car and once again ate hard boiled eggs and fried chicken. By this time, the donuts were usually gone. The strange thing is that I can not remember King Cake..Did they have them at this time (1950′s)?
6. Walked from St. Charles to French Quarter…Made me feel so grown up to be in the wild crowds in the Quarter. As I think back, my parents must have been in very good shape. The walk from St. Charles to Quarter was a long way toting two children. No, I do not ever remember being carried.
7. Walked back from Quarter to St. Charles. We all ate hard boiled eggs and chicken once again. I am sure we had sandwiches but I can not remember them.
8. Watched the closing parade of Mardi Gras…Comus! I can remember that we never caught much at this parade…The riders were heavily masked and did not throw anything.
9. My family went home and went straight to bed. I can remember that I was too tired to even look at my treasures that I caught at Mardi Gras. I wonder if my father went to work the next day? I do remember my whole family going to church for ashes on the Wednesday after Mardi Gras.
10. I grew up and had twin girls. To make a long story short, my husband and I did steps 1 through 9 all over again with the twins; however, we substituted chips and sandwiches for the hard boiled eggs. Yes, we still had the fried chicken.
11. PRESENT DAY: Have a grandchild that is four years old.
12. Once again, to make a long story short, family did steps 1 through 9 above but left out the chips and went back to the hard boiled eggs.
13. You may be thinking that bringing a four year old to the Quarter on Mardi Gras day is insane. WRONG…We had a wonderful time…Stayed off of Bourbon Street and visited Jackson Square and Royal Street. We had a friend who had a balcony on Royal and my grandchild had so much fun tossing beads to people below. No, not one person showed any body parts for beads (I think we were lucky).
14. For dinner, instead of eating hard boiled eggs and fried chicken, went to Broussard’s and had a wonderful meal…
15. Can’t wait for the next Mardi Gras…I love New Orleans.
I love this list of memories!! Thanks for sharing.
I could say a thousand things about our city, our families and so forth. But all I really want to say is THANK YOU!
Wonderful explanation of why so many of us love Mardi Gras more than Christmas! My husband and I live in Phoenix and we’ve been taking our kids to New Orleans for Mardi Gras every year for the past 14 years. It’s a huge part of our family tradition and we wouldn’t miss it for the world.
In 2006 we were lucky enough to meet a group of great folks who invited us to join the 79 year old Krewe of Mid-City and we’ve been riding in their Sunday afternoon parade ever since. It’s a wonderful thing to get to know the history and traditions of Mardi Gras firsthand. Let me know if you plan to watch the Mid-City parade next year so that I can throw you somethin’!
Thanks for your love letter to Mardi Gras, Emily
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You’re the best!!!!
Wonderful, wonderful blog entry. I posted it on my Facebook!
Congrats on such a lovely family.
Thank you! And thanks for sharing.
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