By now everyone knows I’m a proud Louisianan---and it is in that tradition that I celebrate the Great Louisiana tradition that is Mardi Gras!What is Mardi Gras? The words “Mardi Gras” literally translate into “Fat Tuesday”. Fat Tuesday is a festival day ending a period of celebration and excess before the Lenten season. It is the last chance to eat too much, drink to much….and do whatever else you want to do before we sacrifice our favorite things during lent. It’s sometimes hard to believe that Mardi Gras is a religious holiday…..but it is.
I’m a member of a Mardi Gras Krewe….Here’s a little information about it: The Zulu Social & Pleasure Club was establishing in 1909 by the member of the Tramps Benevolent Aid Society. Zulu is one of the oldest and well–known “Second Line” clubs in New Orleans.
“The club is known for it's antics on Mardi Gras day as well as its famous parades, and has spawned more offspring across the country than it even knows. This club brought second line to it's present cult status, pioneering several of the common icons associated with second lines today, including the sash, and grand marshal to lead the line and/or parade” (From http://www.mardigrasdigest.com/).
When I was a kid, I rode the Zulu queen’s float and it is still one of my most fond memories.
-A
Links:
Mardi Gras New Orleans: http://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/
Mardi Gras: http://www.mardigras.com/
Mardi Gras Day: http://www.mardigrasday.com/
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