Mardi Gras Parades : 02-23-2006 11:00 AM - 07:00 PM

[noway]

Mardi Gras Parades begin on Feb 12th - Feb 28th In New Orleans. Schedule http://www.neworleansonline.com/

Mardi Gras Parades begin on Feb 4th - Feb 28th on the Ms Gulf Coast. Schedule http://www.gulfcoast.org/

[noway]

I have never been to a Mardi Gras Parade before so this year I have my mind set on going to one. Maybe some of the myhattiesburg members can help me out with the ones that are a must see. Back in the early 1990's I went to Bourbon street for Mardi Gras and it wasn't all that great to me. Two things that bring back memories is the huge crowd, and no restrooms. Also I remember a few *flashes* but I was too young to understand it at the time.. :smt102

[fuzzis]

My best friend came to visit last year for Mardi Gras, and she had her heart set on going to New Orleans for a parade. But knowing her, I refused. She can be rather aggressive and bitchy in the best of situations, but put alcohol in her, and it's not pleasant. I really was afraid she'd get the two of us killed. (I am perhaps overly cautious) After consulting with several folks from around here and some people from New Orleans, I decided to take her to Biloxi. We were there for the first parade on Fat Tuesday. Had a blast, but decided that the next time, we'd make sure we were better prepared with snacks and adult beverages. Perhaps a more festive outfit.

We also attended a parade in Natchez, and that was a lot of fun. Very small, but a great time.

This year might be a year to go to New Orleans, though. I'm thinking fewer people might make for a better time.

:smt102

fuzzis

[justme]

I love Mardi Gras! I think it is one of the best times of the year. In New Orleans there are lots of parades, but the best ones are the weekend before Ash Wed. (Mardi Gras = Fat Tuesday) On Saturday there is the crew of Tucks, Iris (all women), and then the night parade is Endymion. Sunday's night parade is Bacchus. Last year it was "Super Sunday" becuase of the super bowl. They had the game shown on the side of a building and speakers broadcasting the game. Many of the floats had tv's with the game on it and it was a foot ball themed parade. It has the Baccagator which is the longest float of Mardi Gras. On Monday ( Lundi Gras) the night parade is Orpheus (Harry Connic Jr's parade) This is possibly my favorite. I do not make it to the prades on Fat Tuesday- I usually head home that day. I can give tips on where to stand to watch the parade where it is safe, a good crowd (nice people) with bathrooms and food. Just let me know if anyone wants this information.

[2002usmgrad]

noway, if you've never been before and want a good show, the pass christian parade is always a good show, it's the best parade on the coast, in my opinion, I'm sure it will be good this year even though scaled back and not as long as a route. We always go to the Long Beach parade, it's ok, and my father-in-law has a house on the parade route with all the beer and sausage you can handle, so it's tolerable, haha. Long Beach is usually a more family oriented. I've also enjoyed the gulfport night parades. Mardi gras is a great place for people watching to, it attracts more odd people than any state fair i've been too.

[Conveyor Belt]

I always wondered why people who are not Catholic go to Mardi Gras...

[jmb]

I always wondered why people who are not Catholic go to Mardi Gras...

maybe for the party??? :smt118

[Conveyor Belt]

It's a religious occasion that has been completely secularized. I just always try to look at the reason for something's existence. I find it amusing. I love to ask people when they talk about Mardi Gras if they're Catholic, and they usually go "huh?" They have no idea what Mardi Gras is. They think it's just an occasion to get beads, get drunk, and see boobies.

[jmb]

It's a religious occasion that has been completely secularized. I just always try to look at the reason for something's existence. I find it amusing. I love to ask people when they talk about Mardi Gras if they're Catholic, and they usually go "huh?" They have no idea what Mardi Gras is. They think it's just an occasion to get beads, get drunk, and see boobies.

Good point, C.Belt. Some don't realize that Fat Tuesday is because of Lent starting the next day.

[Lylabean]

We went to a Mardi Gras parade a few years ago in Mobile, Alabama. It was the Joe Cain Parade. After the Civil War, Joe Cain helped raise the spirits of the residents of Mobile. Read more here if you like. (http://www.mardigrasdigest.com/html/Mardi_Gras_FAQ.htm)

The parade was nice, parking was relatively painless, and plenty of port-a-potties around..:-D We caught beads, even black ones from the widows of Joe Cain, cups, coins, moonpies, even incense(sp)..

Lynn

[Lylabean]

They think it's just an occasion to get beads, get drunk, and see boobies.

You could say it is...Fat Tuesday is a last hurrah before the solemn season of Lent.

Lynn

[wilebill]

Most people just think Fat Tuesday is the end of Mardi Gras
Fat Tuesday = Mardi Gras. All the other parades lead up to Mardi Gras. The day after Mardi Gras is Ash Wednesday, which is the beginning of Lent. Lent is a 40 day period (really 46, but it's sorta complicated) of fasting or giving up of something that you normally do.

So the whole deal with Fat Tuesday is to eat and drink everything that you have left because you were originally supposed to do without those things during Lent. The best way to get rid of all those things is to throw a big party and invite everyone to it. You don't have to be Catholic to be invited to a party and help your Catholic friends get rid of their food and drink. :-D

[fuzzis]

Fat Tuesday = Mardi Gras. All the other parades lead up to Mardi Gras. The day after Mardi Gras is Ash Wednesday, which is the beginning of Lent. Lent is a 40 day period (really 46, but it's sorta complicated) of fasting or giving up of something that you normally do.

So the whole deal with Fat Tuesday is to eat and drink everything that you have left because you were originally supposed to do without those things during Lent. The best way to get rid of all those things is to throw a big party and invite everyone to it. You don't have to be Catholic to be invited to a party and help your Catholic friends get rid of their food and drink. :-D

Catholics aren't the only ones who observe Lent are they? I thought Episcopalians and Methodists also observed Lent...

:smt102

fuzzis

[Conveyor Belt]

Those are close off-shoots of the Catholic church... Catholic-lite, if you will... Methodist less that Episcopalian.

[wilebill]

Catholics aren't the only ones who observe Lent are they? I thought Episcopalians and Methodists also observed Lent...

:smt102

fuzzis
You're probably right, but they don't celebrate Mardi Gras in the same way.

[fuzzis]

You're probably right, but they don't celebrate Mardi Gras in the same way.

Actually most Catholics outside of this area of the country don't celebrate Mardi Gras in the same way. In the six years I spent with the X-boy, no Mardi Gras celebration. Best friend is Catholic...no Mardi Gras celebration.

:smt102

fuzzis