“It took the city of New Orleans to transform the centuries-old celebration of Mardi Gras into America’s Greatest Party.” (Mardi Gras, Chapter 2)
Friday’s series opener was meant to drop Mardi Gras 2007 into a contemporary context, one where New Orleans and its people still face the ongoing and difficult process of recovery.
But enough with the wake-up call and socially redeeming babble: let’s get on to the party! After all, that’s what the celebration is all about…right? For today’s sequel, Frank brings you the historical context surrounding this year’s Fat Tuesday jump-off.
A couple highlights include mention of what might be the occasion’s ancient prototype, "a circus-like orgy held in mid-February in Rome," and the fact that nothing short of two World Wars and one police strike has ever cancelled a 20th century Mardi Gras.
Bone up on your knowledge of the King Cake, as well as the sordid history behind Flambeaux Carriers who light the way for parade floats.
