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Carnival's Upon Us - Mardi Gras Around The World
Carnival is a traditional period of celebration that culminates on Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), the day prior to Ash Wednesday, to mark the first day of Lent. It is such a popular and colorful festival that for many travelers, it’s the prime reason for visiting certain destinations. The queen of all of them -- due to its fabulous festivities -- is New Orleans, Louisiana, a region whose French-Catholic heritage is behind the tradition. NoLa's Mardi Gras celebration is such a long-standing tradition that the local tourism office has learned how to make it a fun event for families. Follow their tips to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment:
- Safety First: Arrive early to orient everyone before the crowds pile in. Make sure the kids know where to go if you get separated in a crowd, label their clothing in case they get lost, make sure they stay clear of the floats.
- Bring supplies: Pack snacks, extra toiletries, a cell phone. A picnic basket and an umbrella are for just in case.
- Bring a large carryall: Passing parades toss out beads, candy, stuffed animals and more known as "throws," a tradition dating to the 1870s. There are sure to be souvenirs that kids will want to keep.
- Dress comfortably: Comfortable shoes, some rain gear and an extra layer may come in handy.
Many other Catholic cultures around the world have their own celebrations, and we think NoLa's sound advice applies to watching or partaking of Carnival celebrations in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and anywhere else, for that matter. Note that while most of the Caribbean islands hold wonderful festivities and traditional contests in honor of Mardi Gras, many have shifted their celebrations away from the Lenten period to the summer or other busy tourist times to enhance the destination’s tourist appeal.
Carnivals Around the United States
New Orleans, Louisiana
Since the devastation suffered during 2005's Hurricane Katrina, the civic party has been trying to recover the fun factor. Everyone said that 2009-2010 would approach the celebrations of the old days. Preparations begin in January with events scheduled for weekends leading up to Mardi Gras, Tuesday, February 16, 2010.
There will be nights of festive parades by Krewes (secret societies which compete for the most lavish floats) and marching bands; though often unsuitable for children and modest adults, these late-into-the-night events are great fun. In recent years, Laurence Fishburne, The Shirelles, Hulk Hogan, Branford Marsalis, David Copperfield, Kevin Costner and other celebs have joined in, too. There are also many good-clean-fun events to choose from.
Mardi Gras can be a kid-friendly affair. The New Orleans Tourist Office suggests that families with pre-teens avoid the French Quarter, where parades don't pass anyway. Instead, take the family to the parades' beginnings at St. Charles Avenue between First Street and Napoleon Avenue. (By the time most parades reach the end of the route, it's past 11pm.) The garden district area of St. Charles is a major tourist attraction, and visitors find many local families staking out their positions throughout the season, having picnics, playing ball, and having fun under the beautiful oak trees. Parents of younger kids won't have to worry about the streetcars, as they stop running in this area during Mardi Gras. Families can visit the site: www.mardigrasneworleans.com for a schedule of festivities, as well as to determine which hotels have available rooms for this period.
If you've got wheels, the NoLa tourist office suggests a drive to the suburban areas such as Metairie, only 10 minutes away. Metairie's Caesar parade, held the Saturday before Mardi Gras weekend, is the parade featured at Orlando's Disney World on Mardi Gras day, making it extra special for kids to see.
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