Happy Mardi Gras Day 2014!

Despite the scene in this picture it's actually a little cool and wet in New Orleans this morning, but you better believe the party will NOT stop!

Check out the live coverage through the video below and stay tuned for more Mardi Gras updates!


Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl



New Orleans Local News, Weather, Sports, Investigations

Mardi Gras Open House At The Backstreet Cultural Museum And See The Skull And Bone Gangs

The ongoing tradition on the morning of Mardi Gras Day is the Open House at the Backstreet Cultural Museum in the Treme section of New Orleans, right outside of the French Quarter.

This is where you can get a look up close and personal of the Mardi Gras tribes in their new suits, carefully handcrafted over the last year. 

Also the Open House starts off at 8AM with "Breakfast With The Bone Gang" celebrating one of the many New Orleans traditions, they date back to the 1800's. The Skull and Bone Gangs, dressed in costumes resembling skeletons, go around very early in the neighborhood on Mardi Gras Day and tell children to live right or the spirits may come and get them soon. They remind us all to live for the moment and enjoy each day we are blessed with. 

Click here to check out my previous post about the Backstreet Cultural Museum.

Thanks for reading, Happy Mardi Gras!


Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl

Some History Regarding The Mardi Gras Beads

The trinkets thrown from the Mardi Gras parade floats are part of one of many traditions. There are some differing ideas on when it started but general opinion is that they are a more recent introduction to the celebrations, starting around the 1920's with the Rex street parades. 

An industry has grown over the years with manufacturers coming up with all types of beads to be tossed to the eager crowds. In addition to the traditional purple, green and gold Mardi Gras colors the beads can also come in all sorts of designs as well as other colors. It still amazes me how excited people from all over the world get to be able to show off wearing what they managed to catch. That includes me, of course, lol!

If you want to find out more about the Mardi Gras colors, click here to check out one of my previous posts.

The trinkets can include not only beads but also plastic cups, doubloons, which are printed coins, and small stuffed animals. Bead strands have gotten longer and more of the throws are now customized with the different krewe names and logos. The krewes need to purchase their throws at least 6-8 months in advance of the parade schedule. 

Another throw, that's actually unique to the Krewe of Zulu, is the coconut. Originally they were tossed out into the crowd, but for safety reasons, an actual "coconut bill" was initiated by the local officials so that they're now handed out instead. It's one of the most sought after Mardi Gras souvenirs. Want to read more, click here.

Also click here to check out my post on catching Mardi Gras beads at the parades.

Thanks for reading, feel free to leave comments below.


Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl

Schedules Of New Orleans Mardi Gras Parades For 2014

If you're lucky enough to be in New Orleans this Carnival season, I'm sure you've see some of the amazing Mardi Gras parades. Krewes, which are local social groups, put together floats and incredible costumes and and toss lots of fun things like beads and toys, known as throws, to the screaming crowds.

Since it's sometimes difficult, especially to Mardi Gras newcomers, to know when and where the parades start, this post will cover the schedules from Friday, February 21, 2014 through Fat Tuesday.

Click here for the Parade Schedules. Have fun! Will be posting more on the types of throws.

Feel feel to leave comments below, especially if you have parade stories to tell, hee hee!


Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl

Mardi Gras 2014 Falls On March 4

This year, 2014 Mardi Gras Day, also known as Fat Tuesday, falls on March 4. The parades started as of yesterday, so make sure you get to the Big Easy soon. 

Remember now is the time to be in the middle of all the parties, parades and fun for the Carnival season. Mardi Gras Day is actually the last day of celebration, after that comes Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent.



So "Laissez les bons temps rouler" - pronounced (Lazay-Lay Bon-Tom Roulay) which means let the good times roll!

Stay tuned for the parade schedules! Thanks for visiting.


Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl

Highlights From Mardi Gras New Orleans 2013

Mardi Gras 2013 Highlights And Wrap-Up | Mardi Gras New Orleans 2013

 

Click the link above the mask for updates on Mardi Gras 2013!

Even with the rain you couldn't keep the folks from partying! Enjoy!


Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl

Happy Mardi Gras 2013!

Well it's Mardi Gras Day 2013, folks. Fat Tuesday is alive and well in New Orleans!

Here's a some popular Mardi Gras music to get you in the mood if you haven't made it there.









Enjoy!

Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl

Support The Fundraiser For The Backstreet Cultural Museum, With Purchase Of Jewelry From TheDivasJewelryBox.com, Featuring Unique Designs By The Real Housewives Of Atlanta's Sheree Whitfield

In addition to being the Official Blogger for The Mardi Gras Girl Blog, I also run an Online Jewelry/Accessories Boutique
and am an Independent Sales Consultant. My Online Boutique, The Diva's Jewelry Box, is affiliated with the accessories seller Kitsy Lane.

I offer over 200 products in my store, but these 3 items designed by Sheree Whitfield, known for her role on "The Real Housewives of Atlanta",  for her SheBySheree line, remind me of Mardi Gras masks with their richly colored feathers. The first is the Jade Necklace, then the Lucia Earrings, as well as the Farah Hair Clip. These accessories are not only perfect for Mardi Gras celebrations and parties, but also for anytime you want to turn heads wearing something special and unique to accent your wardrobe.

As a fundraiser I am donating 50% of all commissions generated from the sales of any of these three items THIS MONTH to The Backstreet Cultural Museum in New Orleans to help them with operations costs as well as their special programs such as offering back to school supplies for children in the community and many others. Click this link to read my previous post featuring this amazing museum.

These items will be a wonderful addition to your collection and you'll be proud to call them your favorites in your jewelry box! The model is featured wearing the Lucia Earrings. Gorgeous!

** Please note you will need to register by clicking the link at the top left of the page if you are a new customer. All orders will be shipped from Kitsy Lane to US mailing addresses only.

Thanks for visiting, feel free to leave comments below.


Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl
?

Free Mardi Gras Music Playlist

One of the great things to enjoy during Mardi Gras season is the music. Basin Street Records in New Orleans has been in the business supporting major local talent such as Kermit Ruffins, one of my favorites, Jason Marsalis, Dr. Michael White, Rebirth Brass Band and others since 1997.?

If you visit their site you'll see on the left of the main page a great playlist of Mardi Gras music available free. Definitely worth checking out to get you in the Mardi Gras mood. Have fun!

 

Thanks for visiting, feel free to leave comments below.

 

Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl

Mardi Gras Parade Schedules For 2013

Hey Folks! Today is the the Twelfth Night, also know as the Feast of the Epiphany or Three Kings Day! That means this is the start of the Carnival Season for 2013! YEAHHH!!

Mardi Gras Day will be here before you know it! This post will include links to some sites that provide schedules, updates and travel information as well as details on the Mardi Gras parades throughout the Carnival season for 2013.

This year the parades have been bumped back a week due to the Super Bowl being hosted in New Orleans. If you think Mardi Gras is a crazy time, just imagine the party action that will be going on if the Saints win!

It all starts in the Uptown section of New Orleans today. The Krewe of the Phunny Phorty Phellows will start parading to get the Carnival celebrations started.

The Mardi Gras krewes and marching clubs are scheduled to parade throughout the city. They come through Uptown, which usually means through St. Charles Avenue, as well as Canal Street and streets adjacent to the French Quarter. Soooooo start getting ready for some awesome floats, costumes, and of course, some amazing music!

This site has some great pics as well as details on area tours and news: http://www.mardigrasparadeschedule.com/

Here's another site for schedules: http://www.nola.com/mardigras/parades/ 

Hope you enjoyed this post, thanks for visiting. Feel free to leave comments below.


Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl

Tips For Going Solo For Mardi Gras

So far I've done Mardi Gras twice, the first time I went alone. That's not exactly as crazy as it sounds, you just need to make sure to be aware of your surroundings and use common sense the way you would travelling in any major city. The following information is from my experiences and thought it would be good to share, whether you're travelling with companions or going it alone.

*** Here are 3 tips for going solo for Mardi Gras:

?

1. Don't carry around more than you need
That means no large purses or backpacks, nothing bigger than what you really need since you'll be spending quite a bit of time in the middle of huge crowds. Phone/camera, identification, cash, and a credit card. Some vendors may be on the street and you might need cash to purchase something unique like a wild shirt or mask.

Be aware when stuffing money in your pockets or purse. I found a $100 bill neatly folded on Canal Street one night while making my way back to my hotel room. Needless to say I was a happy camper, but I'm sure the previous owner wasn't!

2. Be careful what you drink
Along the French Quarter, on and near Bourbon Street, are several daquiri shops with slushy drink machines featuring several flavors. These drinks look and taste good, but are also really strong. I've never tried the one labeled "Anti-Freeze", I stick to my usual Hurricane, which is a traditional New Orleans concoction.

Even if you have a good alcohol tolerance these drinks are pretty serious...so sip slowly! I still don't know how they keep the booze from dissolving through the styrofoam cup, lol! Enjoy with caution!

3. Read my post on How To Catch Mardi Gras Beads Without Losing Your Shirt
If you're new to Mardi Gras and want to know some of the best ways to catch beads during the parades, this is a must-read! Click here to check it out!

Thanks for visiting, feel free to leave comments below.


Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl

Mardi Gras FAQ, Some Common Questions And Answers

The Times-Picayune newspaper in New Orleans posted a featured story with Mardi Gras question and answers on their blog. It covers lots of basic information on Mardi Gras traditions as well as some travel tips. It's dated 2008, but it's still relevant today. From what the weather usually is during that time of year in New Orleans to a reader's concern about public nudity, there are sure to be some details that'll update your Mardi Gras knowledge.

Click here to start reading.

If you have any comments or questions you wish to share feel free to post below.

Thanks for visiting!

Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl?

Support The Red Flame Hunters Children Mardi Gras Indian Tribe For 2013

The Mardi Gras Indians have been a part of New Orleans Mardi Gras traditions for hundreds of years. You can view my previous post by clicking here to read more about their history. This post is to help generate publicity for The Red Flame Hunters Children Mardi Gras Indian Tribe. They are asking for support to help with creating their Mardi Gras Indian suits for 2013. Funds will be used for materials such as beads, feathers, sequins and fabric. The group is made up entirely of children who are making their suits by hand after school and continuing the tradition through the next generation.

The Red Flame Hunters want to be ready to mask with the other Mardi Gras Indian tribes in the parades on February 12, 2013. 

 You can click here to view their Kickstarter page for more information as well as to make a pledge. The minimum pledge is only $1.00, they are looking to raise at least $3,500 by January 12, 2013.

Click here to view a video of the Red Flame Hunters performing!

Thanks for visiting, feel free to share this post!

Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl