Happy Lundi Gras - Repost

Well folks, it's Lundi Gras (Fat Monday), the day before Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), here in New Orleans. There will be many concerts and parades this evening, as well as a fireworks display over the Mississippi River. At 6:00 PM CST, it is the big event. Rex, King of Carnival, will arrive on the river by boat to meet King Zulu. They are greeted by the Mayor. It now becomes official that Rex rules over New Orleans for the next day. It's quite a ceremony.

For all those that are here and are still trying to get here for the big day, welcome! Thank you for coming to our city and enjoy yourself. Be safe.

I also wanted to give a little inside scoop and understanding to some outside of the area who might not "get it" or have been spoonfed rediculous polls like, "Should they be getting naked and drunk or should they be rebuilding the city?" It is pretty obvious that the latter part would be the right answer if that were a truly fair question, which it is not.

First of all, the majority of what goes on during Mardi Gras is not the drunkedness and debauchery that you see in the French Quarter. That is not to say that it doesn't happen. Of course it does. Most of the flashing and other indecent activity that takes place is usually being done by non-locals. People come to New Orleans and cut loose, not thinking that their mother or brother will see them on "Girls Gone Wild - Mardi Gras Special". I am also not implying that all tourists participate in that kind of activity. That certainly would not be accurate. Most local ladies would probably slap you if you asked them to show their t*@s for a pair of beads. On the subject of indecency, I remember one time, about ten years ago, this young guy was trashed and was urinating on someone's front doorstep in the quarter. (People live and own businesses in the French Quarter...this type of activity is just not kuel) A NOPD officer caught him. He took out his handcuffs and told the guy that he had two choices, clean it up or go to jail. After a little while of debating, the dude pulled off his shirt and cleaned up his mess. That was too funny - a hard lesson learned. I don't think he is going to whip it out and start peeing on people's property in the French Quarter again.

Anyway, Mardi Gras is so much more than what you might see on TV. Families and friends get together, claim their spot on the avenue and have a good time. There is lots of eating going on (and of course a little drinking maybe ) and unity. You might see someone you haven't seen in a while....they might ask ya, "How's ya momma and dem doin?" or "Where ya at, baby?". Kids are on top of their dad's shoulders waiting for the next float to yell, "Throw me something mister". When the guy on the float throws some beads, doubloons, or maybe even hands off a stuffed animal and you see the child's eyes light up and say, "Daddy, look what I got" and the dad smiles and yells back to the rider, "Thank ya mistah", it just feels good. That is what Mardi Gras is all about.

We have been doing this for over a century. It is our culture. The people that have been and still are rebuilding can take a break tomorrow. If some of you can't understand why we do it, especially in the aftermath of Katrina, I don't know what to tell ya, except, come see for yourself. I am not talking about the French Quarter, although you can have a good time there too if that is what you wish. Bring the kids and have a good family time with us locals. We promise to show you a good time.

Laissez le bon temps rouler! Let the good times roll!