The Mardi Gras experience
By Claire Tapia, Outpost Staff
When you think of Mardi
Gras, we all know what images come to mind. Women flashing
floats for beads and raucous street parties that include a
lot of drinking and well, flashing women. This is all true,
but only a small part of the Mardi Gras and New Orleans
experience. The most important part of Mardi Gras- catching
beads. People grab for them, step on them, and even
fight over them. To see the rest of my photo essay,
click on the picture. Photo by
Claire
Tapia
I grew up in the Big Easy and love Mardi Gras more than any other time of year. What's not to like? Whether you want to or not, if you live in New Orleans, you have no choice but to participate in what is basically a two-week long party. Almost every night for two weeks before Fat Tuesday there are parades. Streets are blocked off and everybody's out on the street, catching beads and drinking beer.
But everybody already knows about the party side of Mardi Gras. What you may not know is that Mardi Gras day is the day before Ash Wednesday, when Catholics begin lent. It's the last party before everybody has to be good. Mardi Gras is a celebration of indulgence before the big detox.
These pictures were all taken in the week before Mardi Gras day. They focus on the parades and the street scenes that they create. I hope that you enjoy looking at them, but most of all, I hope that they communicate the rich experience that is Mardi Gras.
Posted
March 17, 2000
Copyright 2000
Nevada Outpost
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