Krewe de Vieux paradeWhen I decided to go to Loyola, I was extremely excited about living in New Orleans for two reasons; eating really good food and Mardi Gras! I was very excited, but didn't know what to expect, I'm still unsure. I do know it is going to be a crazy, crowded, party that gets me out of class. For most people from New Orleans, however, it means a lot more than an excuse to party and miss class.
Mardi Gras, which literally translates to fat Tuesday, marks the last day before Lent, which is a time of reflection and sacrifice. Therefore, we are allowed one last chance to party and be excessive and crazy. Although this is the literal meaning of Mardi Gras, I think it symbolizes a lot more now. This is because Mardi Gras has become such an important tradition over time in New Orleans and has become a international phenomenon.
I had my first experience of the Mardi Gras season this past weekend at the Krewe de Vieux parade. Watching the parade showed me how tradition is so important to Mardi Gras and New Orleans. The floats, bands, and people in the parade are all made up of so much hard work and dedication by people who care so much for the holiday. These people learned that from somewhere, probably from their family members who were involved in the parades before them. The Krewes themselves show how powerful tradition is, many of the Krewes who are in the parades today have been around for years and years.
This sense of tradition showed me that Mardi Gras is very important to New Orleans because it unites people from all over and it keeps traditions alive which unite past and present generations. It is very important to have Mardi Gras because it shows people how strong New Orleans as a community is when it is united. I can't wait to experience more of it!
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