I firmly believe that thirty years from now we’ll all look back and say that the year 2020 was the time everything changed. Starting in March 2020 every day brought a news report that was alarming: rioting, marches, break-ins, picketing – the entire country seemed to be turned upside down at times.

THE DATES

So here we are: finally heading for Mardi Gras in 2021. One thing that doesn’t change are the dates, so let’s start with that – MARDI GRAS DAY falls on February 16. CARNIVAL FESTIVITIES are from Wednesday,  January 6 through February 16, 2021. The most popular time to visit and totally enjoy yourself is the long weekend before FAT TUESDAY, which is February 12-15 in 2021. Because everything seems to fade in and out these days I want to focus on a few nailed-down “this won’t change” facts.

GO CUPS

Yes, in New Orleans it’s legal to walk the streets with alcoholic drinks in plastic cups – and not just during Mardi Gras. Go cups are exactly what they sound like: “to-go” cups that allow you to take your drink with you from bar to bar (or parade to parade).

THE THROWS

Each Mardi Gras krewe creates its own unique “throw” or trinket to toss at parade goers, who try to catch them and keep them as souvenirs. This has been a tradition for more than 130 years and includes everything from purses to cups, toiletries, beads and colorful metal medallions designed with krewe emblems.

THE FAMILIES

Mardi Gras and Carnival season are surprisingly family-friendly affairs outside of the well-known boozy debauch in the French Quarter. On St. Charles Avenue you will find many day parades where families set up grilling posts and tents – drinking revelers are not welcome.

CARNIVAL SEASON

During the three weeks before Mardi Gras, parades kick off with more frequency each day. Large krewes stage massive affairs, with elaborate floats and marching bands that run along Canal Street -- and, as we just said, Charles Avenue where children cheer and catch throws.

MARDI GRAS DAY

In February or early March, the outrageous Carnival activity reaches a crescendo as the city nearly bursts with costumed celebrants on the famous Mardi Gras day itself. It all ends at midnight with the beginning of Lent.

THE QUESTIONS

What is a Mardi Gras Indian?  Which krewes have the best throws? What are your chances of catching a Zulu coconut?  Okay, the Zulo coconut is a “high demand” throw that began in 1910 as a little hairy beast with no gold or glitter. The coconut took a blow in 1987. A number of lawsuits were filed. Folks claimed they were bonked on the head with flying coconuts.

You’re not going to believe this: the state legislature passed the “Coconut Bill” to clear the club from liability for alleged injuries. And now, all the insides are removed and the shell is painted so it’s a “golden nugget.”

Okay, this story brought tears to my eyes. A spokesman says, “When we get around Lee Circle (named after Robert E. Lee and located at the intersection of St. Charles and Howard Avenues) some of the older people are in wheelchairs so I make a point of sending someone to give our golden nuggets to these folks. When I see their faces light up it makes all the work worth it.” Isn’t that fantastic?

CLICK HERE for the most recent report on “How to Celebrate Mardi Gras 2021 in New Orleans.” 

WHY RATHBONE MANSIONS? At our hotel no two rooms are alike. I’ll bet you can’t say that about your local Hilton! And, even though Rathbone is an antebellum mansion it’s also very much in tune with today – you’ll have access to the Internet at no extra cost. We’ve got both the 18th and 21st centuries nicely covered.   

PLEASE PHONE, USE EMAIL OR CHECK THE WEB for the current status of whatever location or activity that catches your interest.  

Shaun Nelson-Henrick