La Joie de Vivre

What makes New Orleans unique? Mardi Gras, of course. And for that reason, it is important. The elaborate festival is the culmination of New Orleans' celebration culture. So NOLA residents flock to defend this tradition as a defining quirk. Foreigners, whether they be from a different city, state, or even country, come to the Big Easy solely to witness this outburst of joy and diversity and community. Mardi Gras brings New Orleans attention from the world over, but also draws in tourists stimulating the economy. Colorado Springs does not flaunt it's festivals and parades because that is not what th city is known for. We are known for scenic roads and natural beauty, and for that, one may encounter some very defensive tree-huggers in Colorado. Sure we have an dinky St. Patrick's Day Parade and an occasional music festival, but those are simply reasons to get drunk; they have no real meaning behind them. When was the last time somebody said, "I must go to C-Springs so I can get my party on?" Never. The party is in New Orleans. It is the celebration of the city's uniqueness. And part of boasting that uniqueness is the community inherent in Mardi Gras festivals. Though I have never been to any sort of Carnival party, I can imagine the revelry and ecstatic spirits alive during Mardi Gras, and here in New Orleans moreso than other places. For some, it also seems to be an escape from the harsh realities of poverty, office routine, academic boredom, crime, economic crisis, and political distress. Of course it's an excuse to party, but also to drop all inhibitions and enjoy life. That is how I imagine Mardi Gras in my mind. Only experiencing it firsthand will I truly be able to understand it's meaning.