For many students, Mardi Gras is more than just a holiday; it is a chance to let loose, get loud and have fun in the midst of the colder, gloomier months.
Throughout the South, communities gather for parades, balls and camaraderie to celebrate the days leading up to Ash Wednesday, which kicks off a traditional fasting period for many Christians and falls on Feb. 18 this year. The holiday blends European pre-Lenten practices with African and Native American spiritual traditions, reflecting an inclusive, vibrant and unique celebration of many cultures.
Livy Eastman, a freshman majoring in biology, said she plans on returning home to New Orleans for parades on the iconic St. Charles Avenue.
“The tradition of Mardi Gras runs deeply for everyone from New Orleans,” Eastman said. “It is a reminder of what makes New Orleans such a special city.”
For anyone traveling to the Big Easy for the holiday, Eastman recommends trying New Orleans foods including king cake, jambalaya, crawfish and red beans.
Each parade, put on by organizations known as krewes, sports hand-decorated floats with krewe members throwing beads, doubloons and other paraphernalia. Between the floats, bands march in the parades, lighting up the city with music.
“Expect to see elaborate costumes, papier-mâché floats, bands with dance teams and balcony parties,” she said.
Carnival season festivities are not just limited to New Orleans. Several Alabama cities, including Huntsville, Montgomery and Athens, host parades, but the state’s Mardi Gras is centered in Mobile, the holiday’s birthplace. Elizabeth Harvey, a freshman majoring in mathematics and French, is attending parades in Mobile.
“It’s so cool that it’s unique to us down there,” she said. “Most people up here don’t even know what it is, which is still so crazy to me because it’s so big where we’re from.”
Students said that Mardi Gras showcases the art and culture scene of where it is held with elaborately decorated floats and meticulously crafted costumes.
“Every parade is so unique,” Harvey said. “They do different themes and floats every year, and it’s just so cool to look at it. There are so many artistic sides that go into it.”
Students can also experience Mardi Gras at the beach. While these celebrations may differ depending on geographic location, they are rooted in the same traditions. Nicole Maynard, a freshman majoring in biology, said she celebrates with her family in Pensacola, Florida.
Maynard said there is a weekend-long bash near the Pensacola Beach Ball Tower including parades, parties and tailgates.
“My mom always told me you have to scream ‘Throw me some beads, mister,’” Maynard said. “You have to stand on the gates and throw your hands up, and you just have to scream at them and hope you get the big beads.”
Maynard’s advice to first time parade attendees is to do research on parades before attending to determine what type of environment to expect. Some parades may not be appropriate for young children, and some areas may not be safe to stay in. Maynard said the Pensacola parade is “very family friendly.”
Altogether, students agreed that the most important takeaway is to have fun and take in all the festivities.
“I think everyone should experience Mardi Gras. It’s one of my favorite holidays,” Harvey said.
