Lundi Gras

With all the hype over Mardi Gras, many people forget that the day before, Lundi Gras, or Shrove Monday if you prefer, is just as important. Everything comes to a head on this wonderful day! Besides some the last few big parades like Zeus and Orpheus, people begin to ready themselves for the next day. For some, this includes heading to the live music stages that are set up on the river in the Spanish Plaza and at the Riverwalk Marketplace. That evening Rex, the King of Carnival, arrives on the river by boat, meets with the King of Zulu, then both are greeted by the Mayor of New Orleans. It now becomes official that Rex rules over the city for Mardi Gras day. It is an explosion of color, music, and excitement. It's the most celebratory part of Mardi Gras and helps bring a season of delightful fun and flavor to an end.

But before we get ahead of ourselves, I want to share a few of my favorite things about Mardi Gras. I'm living vicariously through all my friends and family back home, but it doesn't mean I don't remember what it means to celebrate in New Orleans. Let's take a look back at what makes carnival season such a wonderful time of the year!


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Y'all know we dressed up our home in California for the season, but there's something extra special about the grand homes in New Orleans when Mardi Gras rolls around. Despite the bold colors, there's a sophistication to the decorations. It's meant to make a statement, but they never takes away from the polish of the classic archetecture. If anything else, the whimsical shades of purple, green, and gold make these homes even more beautiful.


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Without a doubt the Crescent City is renowned for its' cuisine. But during Mardi Gras some of the specialties that emerge for us to dine on are by far the best! Some of our family's favorites are King Cakes, red beans & rice, and crawfish dip (served in your silver, of course). I'm glad that even thought we're far away, we can still enjoy all of them!


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Of course, let's not forget the best part of Mardi Gras: the parades. From the traditional catches such as beads, cups, and dubloons, depending on the parade you can also catch some very coveted items such as decorated heels and coconuts. I don't know what y'all do with it, but when I was younger, we'd take our catches and use them to decorate rooms around the house. My mother was, and still is, brilliant when it comes to celebrating the holidays. Mardi Gras is no excpetion. It's fun to use our parade goodies and with children, they always become a year round treat.

Friends, I'm off to take care of my cold-ridden little boy, then to find everything we'll need to make hurricane's tomorrow night! Take care and Happy Lundi Gras to you all!