Carnival has arrived. The weather has started getting cooler but is still unpredictable. Crawfish is back in season. Parades, marching clubs, and King Cakes will continue until Mardi Gras day, also known a Fat Tuesday.
Not everyone loves Carnival or Mardi Gras. Many locals plan annual vacations to get away from the craziness, but I am not one of those people. This is my favorite time of the year.
This weekend, I went to four parades. I love the beautiful artwork on the floats, the marching bands playing music and dancing, the creative costumes, and watching the people all around me. Every parade is a new adventure. Nothing is ever the same. You may see some of the same floats and bands, but the people around you make the biggest difference.
It is a time to relax. Some people barbecue, some have crawfish boils, some play music, some just hang out with friends. Yesterday, I brought my wife to the parades. She is not a big fan as I am. We ate po’boys, a local favorite sandwich. I had one with roast beef while she enjoyed one with shrimp. We enjoyed some Big Shot sodas, another local staple.
Mardi Gras has a reputation of women exposing themselves for beads. That is something mainly done by tourists on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter, but I choose not to go there at this time of year. In fact, I do not recall seeing this at any parade I have attended in the 40+ years I have attended. Most parades are family friendly.
I have met remarkable great people at parades. My wife thinks I have the words "Talk to me" written on my forehead that others can see. People I have never met, and not just at parades, start conversations with me. This is one of my favorite parts of Carnival. I enjoy interacting with people that I would never meet on any other occasion. You never know someone until you talk to him or her. It is surprising what you can learn from people by just sitting next to them and saying hello.
Getting a "good spot" requires getting to the parade route early. Sometimes we sit and wait for a couple of hours. It is a good time to talk to those that are with you, but also to meet new people.
Watching people is one of my favorite things. There are so many things to see before the parades even arrive. Some people dance to the music someone is playing, some throw footballs, or Frisbees, some are in costume, and some just sit and watch. There is no shortage of entertainment before the parade starts.
Not everyone can enjoy Mardi Gras or carnival in New Orleans, but we can all take a moment to step back and relax. We have responsibilities, but we also have to take a break, even if for a moment. Life is too short to stay stressed. Enjoy life. Meet new people, Do something new. As we say here, "Laissez le bon temp rouler" meaning, Let the good times roll.
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