News

First time or 40th: Mardi Gras always fun

This month of February has been almost like a holiday for most residents down South, particularly in Louisiana. It’s one of the biggest events of the year; it’s Mardi Gras. 

Mardi Gras, which translates literally to “Fat Tuesday,” is formally known as Shrove Tuesday. Mardi Gras festivities all over bring millions of spectators and civilians to New Orleans, Louisiana, every year, and this year was no exception.   

W.L. PETERS/The Gramblinite Floats of all descriptions that roll along the streets of New Orleans are a common sight during Mardi Gras season. The train float in the Orpheus parade is always a crowd favorite.

W.L. PETERS/The Gramblinite
Floats of all descriptions that roll along the streets of New Orleans are a common sight during
Mardi Gras season. The train float in the Orpheus parade is always a crowd favorite.

It’s multiple celebrations – from carnivals, parades, beads, and other trinkets like cups (every krewe), coconuts (Zulu) and heels (Muses). And don’t forget the famous King Cake, so named because all the activities fall after the Christian feast of the epiphany, which is formally known as “Three Kings Day.”

Students elsewhere envy those in Louisiana they find out that a three-day holiday is scheduled every year on Lundi Gras (“Fat Monday”), Mardi Gras and Ash Wednesday.

That Wednesday is given so attendees will have a chance to come down from their Mardi Gras high and return to the real world of books, lectures and tests.

This year, Mardi Gras break fell on Feb. 8-10.

“It was crazy and full of life and energy,” said Jamar Sample, a senior from Shreveport, Louisiana.
“This was my first year going and I loved it and didn’t want to leave.”

GSU graduate Kindrell Plains said there was a lot to enjoy about Mardi Gras. “I had so much fun, from the atmosphere to the drinks. The weekend was full of multiple festivities, and my favorite events were the parades.

Plains said this year wasn’t his first time going, but he continues to go because of the thrill and excitement he feels on each visit. “I’m a big fan of New Orleans music and its culture,” he said. 

Demarcus Brooks, a senior from Dallas, Texas, said Mardi Gras was the break he needed because he had been just “drowned in paper work.” He said he loved everything, especially the drinks because they put you “right where you wanted to be.”

Bourbon Street was the place to be, with several thousand people there, according to Brooks.

“All places were packed, and you could barely walk around,” Brooks said.