Mardi Gras Madness Baby!
Put on your beads, shake off the mid winter blues and party on!
Celebrated around the world... New Orleans is Mardi Gras Central in the USA! Don't think even a hurricane could get in the way of the festivities in this town.
Here in the south, especially in New Orleans and south Louisiana "Laissez Les Bon Tempes Rouler" is the rallying call from shortly after the New Year until this Tuesday. Translating into "let the good times roll", entire cities, towns, blocks and restaurants give way to the frenzy of eating, dancing and general bacchanalian behavior before the austerity of Lent appears. Although Carnival activities have been on-going since January 6th - the countdown to Mardi Gras is in full swing.... and New Orleans is the granddaddy of the celebration!
So put on your boa, grab some green, purple and gold beads, bring a ladder (trust me) and read on how best to enjoy the time leading up to and on Fat Tuesday.
EATS
First fuel up - whether you are drinking or not - a full stomach will help you withstand the crowds and your own yelling, "Throw me something, Mister". Here are just a few suggestions of heartier fare that is easy to transport and enjoy on a parade route:
MUFFALATA - Try to get to Central Grocery where it originated. A huge loaf (slightly similar to focaccia) is cut horizontal and layered with great Italian quality meats and cheeses. Capicola, salami, provolone, mortadella, ham and mozzarella make the layers - but the heart is an olive spread with green and black olive, capers and pickled cauliflower and pepperoncini among its briny ingredients.
PO'BOYS- It’s the bread that makes the sandwich! Crusty on the outside and a light interior. Filled with shrimp, crayfish, roast beef or broiled chicken. Remember when the counter person asks, "dressed?", it means with lettuce, tomato and mayo. Answer accordingly. Mother's are among the best and they use cabbage instead of lettuce.
KING CAKE- Traditionally think sweet brioche all dressed up and with prizes! The loaves can be filled or unfilled and are oval in shape with the usual adornment of green, gold and purple granulated sugars or white frosting. A bean or a plastic baby, representing Christ, is baked inside for some lucky person to find. Tradition also holds if you find the baby - you are responsible for a Mardi Gras party, or at least the King Cake cake in 2008!
PARADES
A Krewe (or private club) sponsors balls, parade and other activities throughout the Carnival season. In and around N.O. there are approximately 70 parades and to add some confusion - not every club is lead by a "krewe". Some of the biggest - like Zulu, Bacchus and Rex are considered organizations. Bacchus' parade kicks off at 5:15 PM tomorrow with guest Bacchus - James Gandolfini aka Tony Soprano. The Zulu and Rex are back-to-back starting at 8:00am and 10:00am respectively on Fat Tuesday.
How to get loaded with trinkets i.e. doubloons, beads and other paraphernalia.
1. Bring a ladder and stake out your spot early. By the same code - if you are a latecomer respect the claimed space of someone else.
2. Practice yelling, "throw me something, Mister (or Lady) loudly and lustily. Rest your throat when the float has come to a stop. Throwers are not allowed to fling trinkets while in a resting position.
3. Look sad and wear something that says you came a long way to get there. A hat stating: "Hey, I am from Patagonia" should work.
4. If you don't grab it the first time - let it fall, put your foot over it and retrieve it after the freebie frenzy has passed with the float. Immediate retrieval could crush or flatten you.
5. While a flash of nudity might be tolerated on Bourbon Street in exchange for a few cheap trinkets - Mardi Gras is typically a family type holiday everywhere else. Standing in the middle of St. Charles street and showing off your assets (or shortcomings) could get you an unwelcome N.O.'s souvenir - a trip to jail!
Little trivial things to know while waiting for the next float, your muffalata or your lawyer…
The colors of Mardi Gras are purple (justice), green (faith) and gold (power)
The Barkus parade (already over for '07) is for festive and festooned animals
Pro Bono Public is Rex's motto in Latin - meaning "For the public good"
Have fun, be safe and send us a postcard!
