It's Carnival Time!

I've been blogging about New Orleans culture since 2009 when the Saints were heading to the Super Bowl. This is my first time doing it on this platform! We’re currently in what’s locally known as “Deep Gras,” when the parades are running every night and day. Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday in French) is only one day, but Carnival season’s parades and King Cake consumption actually starts on January 6th so we’ve been celebrating for weeks!

BUT, we’re not hosting the party most people picture. I’m sure somewhere near Bourbon St. there are tourists lifting their tops and drinking to oblivion, but most of the route is lined with families and neighbors. Children play with toys caught from floats while friends and family share food, beverages, and laughs.

I look forward to writing more about Carnival culture but I’ll be dancing with the renowned Pussyfooters in the Krewe of Okeanos parade in the morning and need to wrap this up. Here are some moments from the first week of parades including Krewe of Freret, ‘tit Rex, and more.

Thanks for reading! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.