Mardi Gras exists as an ethereal succession of traditions: from parading krewes to secret masked balls to the Zulu Indians who spend years making their ornate ensembles. To get the best of the city’s celebration as a visitor, try to connect with a local friend (or friend’s uncle’s first cousin twice removed, it doesn’t matter. Learn how to properly eat crawfish, practice dancing-in-the-street, enjoy a daiquiri or hurricane, and always, always, remember to pace yourself—Mardi Gras is a marathon, not a race. The city begins celebrating en masse the Thursday before Fat Tuesday. Stay as far away from Bourbon Street as possible. A late night adventure on Frenchmen Street will surely yield an unforgettable jazz experience. Rise early on the day before Lent to catch the most fantastic spectacle of all: the Krewe of Zulu, a parade of handmade feathered costumes and brilliant headdresses. ~Adele McConnell 2014 |