In early March, one of America’s most unbridled celebrations will roll through the streets of New Orleans – the Mardi Gras Carnival.
Mardi Gras (“Fat Tuesday”) is reminiscent of Maslenitsa in Russia. The festivities take place before Ash Wednesday, which is the beginning of Lent among Catholics.
The main events of Mardi Gras take place on Bourbon Street in New Orleans’ French Quarter. Here, a magnificent costume parade takes place, led by the Carnival King and Queen. The parade participants sit on giant mobile platforms. They throw all kinds of trinkets, plastic beads and sweets at the crowd as signs of attention. While competing for valuable “trophies,” some female spectators resort to the signature Mardi Gras trick of showing off their naked breasts.
The number of seats on the way to the carnival procession is limited. To be in the front rows, you have to arrive several hours in advance.
New Orleans is the cradle of classic jazz, and during the festival its sounds can be heard from everywhere. Brass bands march through the streets, play in the squares and on the balconies of homes. The Mardi Gras Carnival goes on all night long. The fun ends with the first strike of the church bell, heralding the beginning of Lent.
