Mardi Gras Parades Coming Up

[daisy]

OK, I was just sitting here and thinking there are some on here who have never been to a Mardi Gras Parade in New Orleans or the surrounding area and thought it might be helpful to them to share your experiences and suggestions.

I know of some people that have moved to the 'Burg on here and I am sure a lot of visitors read this.

I never went until I started dating current b/f -- Italian, Catholic guy from Metarie. Will possibly go on 9th, 10th and 11th. Less crowded and good throws.

First parade I went to was at the Orpheus Ball and the parade was very well-policed since there were celebreties in there performing and just being there--Performers: Harry Connick Jr. and Brad Paisley. Saw Alan Thicke and Stephen Spielberg ( on dance floor) This is not a typical parade. Our host was on one of the floats. Got tons of beads and dubloons.

My evening gown had dirt and black stuff from the convention floor. YUCKY.

Next parade was a St. Patrick's Day Parade in Metarie in daytime. B/f asked me to go and I thought he was picking saying they toss out carrots, cabbage, onions etc; of course beads and etc; This is a very safe one and well-policed and family-oriented.

Now I avoid the cabbages or give then to b/f's mom.

What are your favorites? What do you avoid ?

[Mr. Bama]

I moved here from Mobile back in May. In Mobile, my house was one block from the Mardi Gras parade route. For the month or so leading up to Mardi Gras, my street became a parking lot for revelers. Living in the historic Oakleigh Garden District came the responsibility of being good host and celebrating frequently. Our entire neighborhood was full of festive revelers of all ages. You could just walk up the street and people would be on their front porch having a good time.
I went to most all the parades, different friends would come over for different parades and I have many friends that ride in the parades. In Mobile the two biggest days are Joe Cain day on the Sunday before Mardi Gras and of course Fat Tuesday. On those two days people started tailgating and reveling in the early morning. On those days I could just forget about leaving or going anywhere. I love Mardi Gras and I'm really going to miss the sound of nightly parades and the smell of food from revelers and vendors.

[pEtAl mIsFiT]

Mobile is where it all started. I grew up in Mobile, so it was something we did every year. I have been to the parades in New Orleans also.

[Southern_Belle]

I moved here from Mobile back in May. In Mobile, my house was one block from the Mardi Gras parade route. For the month or so leading up to Mardi Gras, my street became a parking lot for revelers. Living in the historic Oakleigh Garden District came the responsibility of being good host and celebrating frequently. Our entire neighborhood was full of festive revelers of all ages. You could just walk up the street and people would be on their front porch having a good time.
I went to most all the parades, different friends would come over for different parades and I have many friends that ride in the parades. In Mobile the two biggest days are Joe Cain day on the Sunday before Mardi Gras and of course Fat Tuesday. On those two days people started tailgating and reveling in the early morning. On those days I could just forget about leaving or going anywhere. I love Mardi Gras and I'm really going to miss the sound of nightly parades and the smell of food from revelers and vendors.

do you like the word revelers LOL! sorry bama... just the first thing i thought of after reading your post. :)

[Elle May]

I lived in Mobile from my teens to about early 30's. Had fun at Mardi Gra time, worked for physicans that were major mardi graers so my kids always had plenty of stuff. Never been to parade in New Orleans.:smt038

[Mr. Bama]

do you like the word revelers LOL! sorry bama... just the first thing i thought of after reading your post. :)

Well that is what Mardi Gras party goers are called.

[Conveyor Belt]

I get aggravated at people who don't realize the religious significance of mardi gras. People think it's a reason to show your assets and get some plastic beads. I've never been and don't intend on ever going. Maybe if I become Catholic, I will... but can you guess the chance of that happening???

[Mr. Bama]

I get aggravated at people who don't realize the religious significance of mardi gras. People think it's a reason to show your assets and get some plastic beads. I've never been and don't intend on ever going. Maybe if I become Catholic, I will... but can you guess the chance of that happening???

Theres actually no religious significance to Mardi Gras. Of course it was started with religion in mind, to party and let go before lent, but significant? I understand relating religious significance to passover, easter, christmas and other celebrations but Mardi Gras? You don't have to be Catholic to have a good time on Mardi Gras and you don't have to be Irish to have a good time on St. Pat's day.

[daisy]

Was invited to the 9th,10th,11th or the next weekend with b/f's family. The weekend of 16th the family is geeting reservations for used to Be Houston's and having a scenic spot on St. Charles to see parades.

They are also getting seats in stands to see parades.

I like the music and even bought a tape of it and b/f has a cd he starts playing a week prior to it. I still haven't decided what I will do. :smt102 I won't do the 2nd weekend because his sister is coming in from Hollywood by herself and I'll give them that time alone with her. She usually has an entourage of her friends from the entertainment industry with her. Fun to listen to their world goings on.

I do enjoy watching all the parades and especially the floats. All is still so new to me.

Mr. Bama, I definitely say they are revelers. And a huge money maker for the city.

One parade I think is funny and have never seen is Barkus--the pet parade and Zulu --where they toss you cocunuts.. We don't do that one or haven't.

It is a very social time for his family--catching up on friends that ride in different parades and bumping into others.

A cousin down there told me to call her if I am in town. Last time, she and her husband took me and b/f to Bon-Ton's downtown (shrimp and craw-fish etoufee--yummy and the bread pudding ( some kind of bourbon sauce) Can't remember if it is ther anymore.



The participants on the floats spend big $$$$ for their throws.

[Conveyor Belt]

Theres actually no religious significance to Mardi Gras. Of course it was started with religion in mind, to party and let go before lent, but significant? I understand relating religious significance to passover, easter, christmas and other celebrations but Mardi Gras? You don't have to be Catholic to have a good time on Mardi Gras and you don't have to be Irish to have a good time on St. Pat's day.

http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/holidays/mardi_gras.htm
Without the religious event of Lent, there would be no Carnival or Mardi Gras. Most people can give you at least a link to Irish and St. Particks day, but I'd venture that 50% of revelers have no idea about Lent or what Mardi Gras was traditionally about. I'm the only one it bothers, so it doesn't really matter, but it still irks me a bit.

[amanda]

I lived in Mobile for 4 years, New Orleans for 14 years. If I never see another Mardi Gras parade, it will be too soon. After the first couple of years in New Orleans, they became more headache than fun. I use to buy the Arthur Hardy Mardi Gras Guide (ttp://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/arthur/ (http://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/arthur/) to find out where NOT to go during the "season". I can't count the times I've been stuck downtown or at home because a parade was getting ready to roll or streets were blocked off anticipation thereof. Sorry, didn't mean to rain on everyone's parade! :) But too many crazy people go to New Orleans for Mardi Gras and have absolutely no consideration for those who live and work there. Mobile Mardi Gras parades are more relaxing - but yuck to the moonpie thing. If you insist on going to any parades in New Orleans and have kids - try the Westbank Parades like Isis. They are during the day and not as crime ridden.

[dollfus46]

Theres actually no religious significance to Mardi Gras. Of course it was started with religion in mind, to party and let go before lent, but significant? I understand relating religious significance to passover, easter, christmas and other celebrations but Mardi Gras? You don't have to be Catholic to have a good time on Mardi Gras and you don't have to be Irish to have a good time on St. Pat's day.

Technically, it has it's roots in Christianity. If you weren't Catholic you'd have no need for Mardi Gras.

[dollfus46]

I lived in Mobile for 4 years, New Orleans for 14 years. If I never see another Mardi Gras parade, it will be too soon. After the first couple of years in New Orleans, they became more headache than fun. I use to buy the Arthur Hardy Mardi Gras Guide (ttp://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/arthur/ (http://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/arthur/) to find out where NOT to go during the "season". I can't count the times I've been stuck downtown or at home because a parade was getting ready to roll or streets were blocked off anticipation thereof. Sorry, didn't mean to rain on everyone's parade! :) But too many crazy people go to New Orleans for Mardi Gras and have absolutely no consideration for those who live and work there. Mobile Mardi Gras parades are more relaxing - but yuck to the moonpie thing. If you insist on going to any parades in New Orleans and have kids - try the Westbank Parades like Isis. They are during the day and not as crime ridden.

I with you. We used to say it was so crowded, you could get stabbed and it'd take you three days to hit the pavement. That's not fun. Besides I never liked parades, circuses nor ice cream. I was a strange lad.

[Engelbert Humperdinck]

I was a strange lad.

Was?

[dollfus46]

Was?

Okay, okay. You got me.:smt038

[Mr. Bama]

Technically, it has it's roots in Christianity. If you weren't Catholic you'd have no need for Mardi Gras.

Yes i'm well aware of the history of Mardi Gras. I don't need it thats for sure. Although, I sure do WANT it. It's a great time and you can enjoy it regardless.

[daisy]

I went to Pegasus Parade in uptown New Orleans. I got on the street car along Canal Street and rode it uptown. The street cars run until 8 at night and we rode the bus back to same place.

I have never seen so many policeman on foot and horses. I got to pet a Golden Palomino. The policeman said he rides part-time and that the police force doesn't have enough riders. Beautiful horses the policeman were riding and the ones in the parade.

While sitting on the bus we heard some sirens and we thought something bad was happening. The bus driver said the police had new cars and had been doing the sirens since 10 that morning.

The parade was nice and I caught a few throws. I wore them back because we forgot our tote bag.

I also noticed a restaraunt on Canal, Nandina's is back in business. They had gotten 4-5 feet of water through there. We parked the car along there at a friend's.

Will head to church tomorrow and then 2 parades uptown.

[Red]

As most of you know I'm new to the area. Can you give me some guidance on Mardi Gras. My brother is coming in next weekend and I thought it might be fun to go to a parade. Should we go to Mobile or NO. I'm kind of leaning toward Mobile because that's where it began and I haven't been there yet. We will have to do a Saturday parade. Is it to much to do a day trip. I need ideas please.

[iheartellisons]

actually some people practice the sacrifices of Lent even if they arn't Catholic.....i know one of my friends does - but anyways...

i used to go to the westbank parades with my family bc that is where we live....now i dont even go to those...im sooo over mardi gras - im Catholic but still have no need for Mardi Gras

[SoMissTV]

As most of you know I'm new to the area. Can you give me some guidance on Mardi Gras. My brother is coming in next weekend and I thought it might be fun to go to a parade. Should we go to Mobile or NO. I'm kind of leaning toward Mobile because that's where it began and I haven't been there yet. We will have to do a Saturday parade. Is it to much to do a day trip. I need ideas please.

We're probably going to go to the Mystics of Time parade at 6pm on Saturday in Mobile. You can go down for the one parade and still get back to the burg at a reasonable hour. I recommend Mobile; it's a more family-friendly environment. For more information on Mobile's Mardi Gras celebration, click here. (http://www.al.com/mardigras/)

[Mr. Bama]

We're probably going to go to the Mystics of Time parade at 6pm on Saturday in Mobile. You can go down for the one parade and still get back to the burg at a reasonable hour. I recommend Mobile; it's a more family-friendly environment. For more information on Mobile's Mardi Gras celebration, click here. (http://www.al.com/mardigras/)

MOT has arguably the best parade in the Mobile Mardi Gras.

[daisy]

Red, I am not familiar with Mobile's parades and I just got back into the 'Burg.

I had a good time in New Orleans last night and today at 2 parades uptown New Orleans and got a lot of throws. Then went to 2 parades in Metarie.

I rode the street car from on Canal to somewhere downtown and then went to St. Charles and felt safe today and yesterday. I hear this weekend is a lot less crowded than next weekend because you have Bacchus and a lot of big celebrities.

Where we stood today I could go right up to the floats and there were policemen galore. Policemen on foot and horse. Got to pet several police horses and found out why some of the horses are so tall. Several of the horses are percheron- mixed. Their hooves were real large and one was 17 and 1/2 hands high.

B/f says next weekend the people watching the parades will be 8-10 rows deep so it will be harder to get throws and dubloons. He says the crowds have thinned out since Katrina.

I got hit in the eye with a plastic cup being thrown from a float. I was catching beads being thrown and wasn't aware of the cup coming at me. I was in a shady spot or I would have had my sunglasses on. I will be ok , just feels like a headache in my eye. Needless to say after that when I went to Metarie's parades, I shied away from cups.

Also take something to tote the throws home in. A doubled garbage bag or a net laundry bag is what I used.

I will ask b/f about suggestions for parades this weekend. I know Muses is Thursday night and that will be like this weekend, not as crowded.

I took 2 cheapie instamatics and hope they turn out.:smt006

[daisy]

OK, here is a web site for New Orleans Mardi Gras and the schedule also has Metarie. Also look at the Krewes and it tells about each. B/f has ridden in Pegasus and Orpheus once for a friend who was called to work. They have to pay membership fees and for the throws, some can be high $$- the blinking ones and the multi-colored medallions. The throwers are suggested to be harnessed in or they can sail out if the float tips or hits a bump.

http://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/

http://www.mardigrasday.com/ I know Orpheus, Endymnion and Bacchus have celebrity grandmarshals every year--so the celebrities.

From what I know in New Orleans, you can park away and take a street car or bus into town or you can park your car in a garage uptown $10 or more.

I am not familiar with Mobile Mardi Gras.




Mobile's http://www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php and go to schedule

[nooskye]

I've only gone to one Mardi Gras ... in 98, I think ... Words of advice if you venture into the City towards Canal and Burbon St ... don't carry *anything* of value!!!! I don't think I have been felt up more in my whole life than I was trying to make our way through the crowds ... It sucks. I felt violated ... out of the 20+ people in our group though, me and three others were the only ones who wasn't robbed. Whoever, because they were never caught, got out on us for a good $500.00. Just *be smart* with your valuables!!

I wonder just how big of a "jackpot" this year be to the numerous criminals left to wander the streets of the NO ... ??????? Headlines did a story on a little elderly couple who lives there last night ... They (the couple) said they didn't go out after 6 o'clock at night anymore because they were mugged. Smart though ... they put thorned, creeping vines up and over their wall to give the perps a little surprise :D

[nooskye]

From what I know in New Orleans, you can park away and take a street car or bus into town or you can park your car in a garage uptown $10 or more.

Yeah ... it's better to park in a parking garage than it is on the street ... you *really* don't wanna be towed there, that time of year .... :smt118 Or broken into ...

[fuzzis]

I went to Mardi Gras in New Orleans last year by my lonesome and had a FANTASTIC time. Other than the fact that I didn't eat or drink all day long because I was adopted by Chalmatians who weren't drinking and who brought their own food and offered to share with me. (I gotta be really, really hungry to eat a bologna sandwich...one day of deprivation ain't gonna get my there)

One of the Chalmatians was dating a guy who worked for Blackwater, and he was telling me that there was no way in hell I wanted to venture down to the French Quarter...or anywhere close to it. Not that I wanted to be amongst that throng. I was happy where I was.

Just like venturing out any other time, I think you have to be smart about it. And make sure you know where a bathroom is. That was the scariest part of the whole deal (and how I introduced myself to the Chalmatians)

fuzzis

[daisy]

Fuzzis, I am like you. Just have to play safe and be aware. There are a lot of good, ordinary ,decent people down there just wanting to enjoy the parades.

I used a little purse and put our streetcar and bus fare and some bills to eat with and my traveler's checks. B/f and I got a sausage dog and sodas at the little stand. Best-tasting and I found a big street planter where we could sit and eat and rest between floats.

No one ever felt me up looking for money. I had eye contact with police everywhere and easily could have gotten help if needed. I felt safe from things except flying cups.

I had a wonderful time, watching people and meeting people. Met a retired policeman from 38 yrs. of retirement. I was in a picture taking mood and got a picture of him with b/f. found out his home was destroyed from Katrina on South Shore and his insurance did him right. He said he had to come back during Katrina and felt he needed to help the city. So often we don't hear the unsung heroes of duty and service. He said he would retire after this Mardi Gras and work again when he wanted.

Walking into the spot where we set up on on St. Charles we saw all these dogs on leashes and I thought they're heading to Barkus over in the French Quarter at 2. I saw an irrestibly, beautiful German Shepherd--darkish ,walking a gentleman on his leash. I oohed , "What a beautiful dog and I bet you're heading to Barkus. The man said he'd like to go and b/f told him when and where." I took pictures of dog and owner with b/f. I petted the dog who jumped up on me affectionately and found the dog, Gus is an explosives dog out of Baton Rouge. Gus and owner were very nice. B/f said the dog really liked me because he kept jumping upon me. I guess the dog knew I liked him or he was trying to beg me to get him away from all that loud music. Dog's ears are more sensitive, I hear.

Or the dog is around men so much in his job that he was glad to see me.????

Back to what Fuzzis was saying, just be aware and hide your money. We do that here in the 'Burg don't we?

A tip for people who like dubloons, those coin - looking things. I found the most walking back down this median thing where the street cars roll. Especially next to the tracks and also where the parade crossed over along the tracks rails.

Also after Metarie parade in the street after the police took down the metal rails, I had spotted some and immediately got them.

By the way, the Metarie parade had a lot of motorcycle clubs and many clowns.

Both New Orleans and Metarie Parades had horse clubs riding.

A sobering reminder of Katrina was the last float of Arthur in uptown New Orleans. It was a float dedicated to the lost pets in Katrina.

Also, b/f would yell, "Hey, Beautiful to the girls or women on the floats if he wanted beads. Usually worked.

I asked b/f if he would yell that to me on a float and he said, it would all depend on what kind of beads you were throwing and if I wanted them. True. He is a veteran parade goer. Already trying to get me to go Thursday night to Muses--they throw out lips and shoes on their emblems.

We'll see how my week goes.

[noway]

so any pics of ( O ) ( O ) :smt102 :smt102

[daisy]

so any pics of ( O ) ( O ) :smt102 :smt102


I will have to develop them and I will go ahead and tell you the only of that type was an old man with a plastic naked torso of a lady he was wearing and a young guy on a float pulling his t-shirt up.


If there was any of that going on, I never saw it. I bet it may be this coming up weekend.

B/f rode in Pegasus and in Orpheus and he said he saw some of it and he threw them beads.

I am sorry, I tried for you.

Actually, I think they are waiting for you to show up in person.:smt102

[daisy]

Oh, for those of you that like Taylor Hicks, he is grand marshall of Endymnion Parade and Ball. B/f's sister is going to the Ball.

James Gandolfino, of the Sopranos, is Grand Marshall of Bacchus Parade and Ball.

Oprpheus, I am not sure of yet. Harry Connic Jr. ???

[fuzzis]

The parades are a family affair, so no ( o ) ( o ). You want that, you don't go to a parade...you go to the French Quarter. (I was at Endymion, Bacchus, and several other big ones last year...no titties to be found)

fuzzis

[daisy]

I will share where we set up and it was next to a food vendor and a deli. The deli was Fredrick's and we were on the corner of St. Charles and Poydras. The night we were in front of the paying upper stands and the daytime beside the big planters in front of a garage.

We got our dessert from the deli and 2 sausage dogs, 2 sodas for $17 at the corner.

Then for the Metarie parade got 2 slices of pizza,2 sodas and a cannoli for $8.

[fuzzis]

That's where justme told me to go last year. Had a great time. :smt038

fuzzis

[Hermione]

Excusez-moi? Anglicans and Methodists do Lent.

Anyway, Daisy, was the St. Charles streetcar line still closed? You said you took the Canal St. one.

I went to Bacchus the year Harry Jr. was Bacchus. It was their 25th anniversary and his 25th birthday -- he was so cute! My hint for people was always to get as far down St. Charles (away from town) as possible to get a more family atmosphere, but don't stand right at the intersection as St. Charles and Napolean. When they're making the turn, the riders are all holding on and not throwing. I wondered how come we got such good spots at that corner! :)
I'm like some of the rest of you, though, you can get enough Mardi Gras in a hurry if you live in NO.

[daisy]

Hermione and others, I got on the streetcar up close to Nandina's and rode it down to the end. We got off there and walked to Poydras and St. Charles where the parade was. I am sure the St. Charles couldn't run because of the parade.

Fuzzis, that was a great spot. B/f and his family will be in some upper stands for Saturday's parades.

The year I went to Orpheus Ball, It was Harry Connick Jr., Brad Paisley and someone else. No one in our group knew who B and trad Paisley was but me and that was because I saw him on the VIEW.

In case anyone thinks going to a ball is elegant and glamorous, you should have been with me that year. B/f and I set up our group's food and drinks 20-30 of us. Yes, in spite of how much the ticket is you bring your own drinks and food and are fed a late night supper at 12:30-1:00. Raining cats and dogs and bringing all that in from the car to the convention center in an evening gown was ruining my idea of glamour quickly. Oh and we had to make all the po-boys at the host's house the night before. Our host had to ride in the parade. Yes, I was fussing like a wet hen until I got into the festivities.

[Hermione]

Daisy, it's Mandina's. Nandina is a bush. But it sounded right at first, I just now realized . . .

I thought the St. Charles line was still out from Katrina damage. I used to ride it to work -- always seemed strange that what was an exotic experience for some people was just a commute to me.

[daisy]

Daisy, it's Mandina's. Nandina is a bush. But it sounded right at first, I just now realized . . .

I thought the St. Charles line was still out from Katrina damage. I used to ride it to work -- always seemed strange that what was an exotic experience for some people was just a commute to me.


Thanks, it is Mandina's. I just know they stopped at the end of Canal.:smt102

[daisy]

Just spoke with b/f and his sister by phone. He 's been doing the parades in Metarie and they went to the Endymnion Ball last night at the Super Dome last night.

The host was Taylor Hicks, American Idol star, who played along with his original band he began with. The other acts were Al Greene, Journey and Styx. There was no dance floor but they stood next to the front barricades and were even on tv while A Journey member was being interviewed. I think they thought it would be like Bacchus or Orpheus --a dance floor.

Tomorrow he will be doing Orpheus and Proteus parades. B/f says it is far more crowded than he thought. They'll be in tall stands tomorrow about a block down from where we were.

B/f and I didn't follow American Idol and he is shocked that he likes Taylor Hicks as much as he does. B/f says he has a presence.

They also saw James Gandolfino at Bacchus and said he was enjoying himself.

[pinkytuscadero]

Took oldest and 2 of his friends to Joe Cain Day in Mobile yesterday. They were SO excited and a lot of fun. The boys still had on their baseball uniforms so they got a lot of beads.

I took them through Bienville Square and they wound up in the area of Daulphin by Martini's b/c of the music. I told them to stay in my site and I just stood back and let them have a ball. :smt038

I had to smile when they caught some of the huge Jeigermeister beads that flash. On the way home one of them asked me what kind of beer that was b/c their daddy drinks budweiser. :)