Throw me Something, Mister!
Mardi Gras was something I never knew existed until my college years. Raised in a rural area with a Baptist church at every crossroads, and no Catholics to speak of within a hundred miles, it wasn’t a part of our lives. Terms like Fat Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, and Lent had no meaning, whatsoever.
The biggest Mardi Gras in the Country happens every year in New Orleans. Even though Mobile held the first Mardi Gras back around 1700, and still does today, their celebration can’t compare with the ones in South Louisiana.
Nowadays, New Orleans has become a family destination for the viewing of many of their parades. Most of these happen during the early afternoon or evening, and folks line up all along the route to enjoy the show.
It didn’t take long for other communities to get in on the action. Parades bring people, and people bring money. Most every town in south Louisiana now has a parade or two. You will even find Mardi Gras parades in our corner of the World.
Natchez, MS has celebrated Mardi Gras for a number of years. We thought we would join our kids there, and attend the evening parade. It was to be my “first” Mardi Gras parade.
Getting ready on the bluff above the river.
White, black, young, old; everyone appeared to be in a happy mood.
Oil is still a driving force in the area, hence the name.
Sign of past parades.
Waiting on the show.
Here they come!
The parade lasted about an hour. It was fun watching all the people. Most of what I caught was in self defense. It’s difficult to see things coming toward your head while looking up into the night.
We had a pile that included hundreds of strings of beads, cups, footballs, moonpies, and assorted other things. We gave most to the surrounding kids, and made an early exit to a nearby restaurant. I enjoyed my first Mardi Gras parade, but the dinner was my favorite part….jc
Ahhh, my first Mardi Grad was the winter of 2010 when we were full-timing. We spent that winter at Rainbow Plantation in Summerdale, Alabama. We had a ball...there were parades everywhere and most importantly Mobile.
ReplyDeleteYour parade looks like a really nice one with well decorated floats. I love all the colors of Mardi Grad. Everyone always seems to have a great time!!
Looks like a grand time,especially with a small town atmosphere..I just pulled into seminole canyon..surprided I have internet.
ReplyDeleteBig Bend tomorrow. Take care buddy..enjoy your beads.haha Horst sends
Thanks. Feel like I have now been to a Mardi Gras parade!
ReplyDeleteSee you two soon.