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The Revival of Mardi Gras
By : Wyatt Myers
It’s back to business as usual for Mardi Gras in the Big Easy. Considering the city’s recent history, “business as usual” is a big step forward, says Arthur Hardy, publisher of the annual Mardi Gras Guide and the world’s foremost authority on all things Mardi Gras.
“After Hurricane Katrina, there was some controversy over whether we should even have Mardi Gras,” he says. “But we went ahead with it, and it’s grown bigger every year. Now we’re back to where it was pre-Katrina.”
That means that Mardi Gras has returned to what it was always intended to be: “A giant party that we throw for ourselves and our visitors,” says Hardy. And the best part is that most of the spectacle is free to the public.
If you’re a Mardi Gras newcomer, Hardy says it’s important to remember that many of the festivities take place on the days before Fat Tuesday (Feb. 16, 2010). “There are now 60 parades on the 12 days leading up to Mardi Gras,” he says. Unless you want to miss most of the fun, make plans to arrive in New Orleans early.
The parades are hosted by different Krewes, which are local social clubs that share the responsibility of putting on the world’s biggest party. The largest parade, hosted by the Krewe of Endymion, has more than 50 floats and takes place the Saturday before Mardi Gras (Feb. 13). The Krewe of Bacchus also holds a spectacular parade on Sunday (Feb. 14).
Hardy also recommends Harry Connick Jr.’s Krewe, Orpheus, which adds some of the flash of Hollywood to the festivities on the Monday before Mardi Gras. Of course, Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday,” itself also offers spectacular parades that shouldn’t be missed. Those include one by the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club, the largest African-American Krewe, and by Rex, the oldest Krewe that still hosts a Mardi Gras parade. They’ve been part of Mardi Gras festivities since 1872.
Being surrounded by more than a million of your closest friends can be a little claustrophobic at times, though, so Hardy recommends dressing comfortably and not wearing too much jewelry. His other travel recommendations include obeying the parking signs and taking advantage of public transportation as much as possible. “The hotels can get a bit expensive, but if you plan ahead, it’s tough to beat staying in the French Quarter,” he says. “This puts you within walking distance of most of the festivities.”
mardigrasguide.com
How To Get There: American Airlines provides service to New Orleans.
Book your trip today! Visit www.aa.com, call American/American Eagle reservations at 1-800-433-7300, or call your travel agent for more information.
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