Five Things Not To Miss At Mardi Gras
May 11, 2009
Mardi Gras can seem larger than life, so it’s easy to overlook some of the many key customs of the celebration. The grander spectacles can draw a person’s attention away. Here are a few things you should try not to miss.
Come as you aren’t. The great thing about Mardi Gras is that it’s “come as you aren’t” day. The more fantastic the costume you wear, the better. Some don only a feather mask while others go all out with elaborate period costumes or fanciful symbolic attire. The French Quarter offers contests for those really looking to show off their duds.
When Kings collide. The Riverwalk Marketplace now hosts the traditional landing of the king of Rex, where the mayor symbolically turns over the city to him.
Don’t pass up the landing of the king on Lundi Gras, or Fat Monday. When the racially segregated Krewe of Zulu was founded, its king originally satirized the king of Rex. These days, however, the meeting of the kings of Rex and Zulu is joyfully celebrated at the Riverfront.
Whoop it up. The coming of “Mardi Gras Indians” recalls a kinship between escaped slaves and the Native Americans of Louisiana, with whom they sought refuge.
Sometimes the Indian chiefs’ beaded and feathered costumes are constructed over the course of an entire year in preparation for the celebration. Hunter’s Field is the usual destination for the downtown Indians, while the uptown Indians usually congregate in Shakespeare Park.
Cake, cake, Baby. The sharing of a confection called “King Cake” begins at the start of Mardi Gras season in January, after Christmas ends. New Orlean natives share large ring cakes, sugar-coated in colors of green, purple and gold.
There’s always a plastic baby doll hidden inside, and whoever gets the piece with the baby must provide the cake for the next party. The tradition goes back to 1870, when young, unmarried women were offered cake at Twelfth Night parties. The one who found a golden bean in her piece was crowned the krewe’s queen.
Dance all night. Originally the parades served as the procession to the grand dances or balls. Krewes would follow their royal courts, kings and queens, through the streets to the ball. They would throw trinkets to onlookers that came out to watch.
While most balls were invitation only, the newest super-krewe, the Krewe of Orpheus which was co-founded by singer Harry Connick Jr., opens its doors to the public.
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