Events in NOLA for February 2020, Part 2
We’re moving on from last week’s blog to talk about bringing children to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. You may not believe this, but Mardi Gras is a family celebration. The only place you should avoid with kids is the French Quarter (where no full-size parades pass – so you’re not missing anything). A better idea is to view parades where they begin on St. Charles near Napoleon. The Garden District portion of St. Charles is a family area where many folks stake out their parade watching position.
Daytime Mardi Gras parades are perfect for children – especially Zulu and King Arthur. But the best one is Barkus. This dog parade is full of pups – and, with a name that sounds like Bacchus, it’s sure to be fun.
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Here’s more on MARDI GRAS WEEKEND but now we’re looking at Saturday, February 22nd to Wednesday, February 26th or ASH WEDNESDAY (the first day of Lent) – the symbolic use of dust or ashes which dates back to the time of Moses and the Old Testament. Today, the custom is still in use as a priest or minister marks the sign of a cross in ashes on the foreheads of the faithful – this tradition is observed by Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists, Anglicans and Presbyterians worldwide. In Ireland it is also “National No Smoking Day” to encourage smokers to kick the habit.
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On Saturday, February 22nd from 1 am to 11 pm the MARDI GRAS DAY TRIP takes place for those who want a quick taste of the excitement without the cost. The Mercedes-Benz Superdome at 1500 Sugar Bowl Drive is involved in this round-trip bus ride. This BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) day trip is perfect for those who wish to go via chartered bus with no hotel expense. Drink fixes such as ice, cups and snacks are supplied for those who go on this adventure.
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Be prepared to party – especially on MARDI GRAS DAY or Tuesday, February 25th (Fat Tuesday, the last day of the Carnival Season that always falls the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent). The Mardi Gras Parade time is from 12:30 to 10 pm. This is also the time to enjoy favorite foods that you’ll give up for Lent.
The parades on Mardi Gras Day are arguably the most authentic and beautiful. And, according to one celebrant, “The atmosphere in the French Quarter, Marigny and other New Orleans neighborhoods borders on psychedelic. Legions turn out in all types of costumes while bands and DJs stake out street corners. Everyone is there for one reason: lasseiz les bon temps rouler (let the good times roll).”
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I’d like to add this one final note: There are NO TICKETS TO MARDI GRAS. Every parade is a highly public affair, put on by social clubs that spend the whole year preparing for a single day. Millions are spent annually on the event, ALL PRO BONO and for the greater good – many Carnival clubs, officially referred to as Krewes, also fulfill philanthropic goals. But if you really want to spend why not buy a ticket to one of the Carnival Krewe Balls? The Krewe of Endymion throws one of the biggest parties of all – inside the Superdome.
Now, let’s move on to links that will make our visitors happy – just like we did in Part 1.
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Just CLICK HERE to read about eight spots that offer delicious eats in The Big Feasty.
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Are you in the mood for music? CLICK HERE to read about Frenchmen Street – and more.
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If you’re hankering for a day trip out of New Orleans you’ll love our take on this. CLICK HERE for a close look.
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One of the spots to explore in the Quarter is an area called the French Market. CLICK HERE to learn more.