Beads, Beads, and More Beads! Tales From my First Mardi Gras

New Orleans is known for many things but Mardi Gras is the most famous of them all. Experiencing Mardi Gras firsthand was one of the things I was looking forward to when I found out I was moving to New Orleans for residency. Now that my first Mardi Gras is officially in the books, I have to say, it was sooo much better than anything I could have imagined.

Before moving to New Orleans, I would always think "well, what's the big deal about Mardi Gras anyway?" but having experienced it, I am now a true believer. Much to my surprise, Mardi Gras is a Christian holiday celebrating the arrival of spring and fertility. Mardi is French for "Tuesday" and Gras means “Fat" and Fat Tuesday is the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent.

The city of New Orleans transforms during Mardi Gras season. Just like the Fourth of July, the entire city is shut down. The only places open for business are bars and hospitals. Majority of the Mardi Gras season parades start in February with every weekend filled with elaborate parades. The biggest parades however, take place during the first

weekend of March. I was surprised at how quickly I was able to get into the Mardi Gras spirit at each parade, shamelessly screaming for beads and eagerly watching each the floats pass by in all their elegance and magnificence. Float riders throw beads and goodies conveniently known as "throws" to eager spectators. Even though I was late to the game and didn't get to attend my first parade till the end of February, I still made out with plenty of beads and goodies.

There is more to Mardi Gras than parades, beads, and alcohol (shocking, I know!). Several grand balls also take place every year during Mardi Gras season. The balls are thrown by elite krewes or societies for their members and lucky guests. This year, I attended the Zulu Ball, New Orleans' largest African American grand ball. It was great seeing so many successful people of color under the one roof, celebrating our culture and having a great time all in the spirit of Mardi Gras.

All in all, my first Mardi Gras was one for the books! I feel extremely lucky to live in a city with so much culture and diversity. I am looking forward to the next Mardi Gras season which promises to be more fun, eventful, and lit. In the meantime, here are some of the memorable pictures and videos from Mardi Gras 2019. Enjoy!