I know you might not believe this, but even though I'm only about five hours away from New Orleans, I've never been to Marti Gras. I know -- how lame is that?
Jilda and I spent the better part of 1980 in Mobile (which is less that 2 hours away) after Hurricane Fredrick, but we didn't go down until the first of April, and we left in January before Marti Gras began.
I was in Panama 1n 1972-73 during Carnival which is what they call Marti Gras in Central and South America. It was quite an experience especially in a place where language and culture are so different.
The food was good there. The pageantry and costumes were incredible. Even poor kids who had little money for masks or costumes, painted their faces like devils and demons.
They menaced Carnival revelers with whips made of string and they only way you could "scare them away" was with candy or spare change.
The music, though unfamiliar, was rhythmic and intoxicating. I went with my friends from the Army base and we soaked it all in like our hometown state fairs.
Sitting here typing these words, I realized I'd left something off my Bucket List. It is my intention for Jilda and I to go and experience Marti Gras.
Jilda and I spent the better part of 1980 in Mobile (which is less that 2 hours away) after Hurricane Fredrick, but we didn't go down until the first of April, and we left in January before Marti Gras began.
I was in Panama 1n 1972-73 during Carnival which is what they call Marti Gras in Central and South America. It was quite an experience especially in a place where language and culture are so different.
The food was good there. The pageantry and costumes were incredible. Even poor kids who had little money for masks or costumes, painted their faces like devils and demons.
They menaced Carnival revelers with whips made of string and they only way you could "scare them away" was with candy or spare change.
The music, though unfamiliar, was rhythmic and intoxicating. I went with my friends from the Army base and we soaked it all in like our hometown state fairs.
Sitting here typing these words, I realized I'd left something off my Bucket List. It is my intention for Jilda and I to go and experience Marti Gras.
I would so love to do this. Maybe one day ...
ReplyDeleteI have never been , I think you should, you are so close to it.
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed reading about the celebration today, its something so far away from our lives here, although come to think of it, in Toronto they do celebrate it I think.
Ahhh I suggest...just a suggestion mind you, that you experience them both two 'Carnival' experiences. Do...laissez les bon temps rouler!
ReplyDeleteHugs~
Sounds like a great idea! You will probably have a ball.
ReplyDeleteWhen Don and I traveled we never got to Mardi Gras. New Orleans yes! Just not in February! We did watch the celebration on the TV show "Cops" a couple of times! Here, in Florida, we go to "Gasparilla Parades"
ReplyDeletehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gasparilla_Pirate_Festival Went to the one in Dunedin Florida last night...lots of fun! A night parade...with lots of food and ye olde spirits to add to the revelry!
New Orleans, we've been...just not during Mardi Gras. Hope you check it off your bucket list!
ReplyDeleteI have no desire to go. I'm afraid I'd be tempted to lift my shirt and all the people with cameras would groan and turn away in disgust.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
If you have it on the bucket list, you need to go. I have no desire to go..crowds of crazy people remind me of my family get togethers!
ReplyDelete