Mardi Gras 2016, Fat Tuesday

We didn't get to do too much on Fat Tuesday because our flight was in the afternoon, but we did catch a bit of Zulu. I only have one picture from this day, partly because my phone ran out of space, and partly because pictures aren't enough to describe how much New Orleans shines on Mardi Gras Day.

Usually during Mardi Gras, you dress comfortably, with as much neon and yellow, green, and purple as possible. But on Fat Tueday you go all out. Last year, I tried to dress up as the Absenthe Green Fairy. However it was about 30 degrees, which isn't very fun in just a corset, booty shorts, and tights. This year I went a bit more modest as Queen NOLA in all black and gold. If you don't know this yet, I am a Saints fan. I made the tutu last year when I made a slew of crazy costume items. I'm very happy to wear it a second year around.

Anyways, just walking around New Orleans on Fat Tuesday is an experience. People are out and about, barbecuing, drinking, blasting music... and all in their costumes. A lot of families dress in a groupe. We saw an astronaut family among others, but the best one I think was the circus family. The little girl in the family even performed her trick for everyone! She laid down a rope and tight-rope walked on it. Definitely one of the cutest things I have ever seen.

So that is a brief summary of Mardi Gras. Next year, I will be sure to go a little further in depth for anyone thinking of going. And I definitely recommend going. What I love most about New Orleans is its spirit. It's true, the city is pretty dirty and very run down. There is still a lot of damage from Katrina that has yet to be repaired. And it does have one of the highest murder rates in the country. But people there love to celebrate. They celebrate anything and everything. And that energy is contageous. I will always feel at home in New Orleans.