What Mardis Gras means to me

Let the good times roll!

“Mardis Gras”, “Fat Tuesday” or “Carnival time.” I was raised Protestant and I am agnostic for all intents and purposes. I had never observed Mardis Gras before, and I shall not lie like anything. It has its many share of problems but I think what it has come to represent is the most integral part here. I was not in New Orleans for Carnival this year, but I hope, someday. For a bit of context what we have come to know as New Orleans, Louisiana was founded in March of the year 1682, it happened to fall on a Fat Tuesday. I grant you the Chevalier who found the swamps likely did not do much, perhaps a bit of king cake and alcohol but that was all. Until post reconstruction Mardis Gras in New Orleans was an elitist holiday and no one but the one percent could participate. It was not until the founding of the Krewe of Zulu in 1909 that the holiday became more inclusive. To that end, I believe Mardis Gras and carnival should be a time of joy, hedonism, good food and community and comradery. From humble Christian beginnings to a celebration of all there is to enjoy about life, its present meaning and its myriad of cultural attachments to New Orleans, Louisiana is why I personally observe it.

Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Citations:

NOLA: Mardis Gras: history – FAQ

https://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/history/history-faqs

Mardis Gras: Krewes

https://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/parades/krewes

Historical Nola collection

https://www.hnoc.org/carnival

https://www.hnoc.org/publications/first-draft