organization, attached the slogan “Catch and release” (Fausset). One proposal involved allowing revelers use beads as a form of currency. Revelers would cash in their “token” at a business who in exchange would allow the revelers to use a clean bathroom, a luxury during Mardi Gras (Fausset). Not all of the throws are imported or simply discarded after the Carnival festivities come to an end. The Krewe of Zulu’s, primarily all African American parade, is known for throwing hand-painted coconuts (see fig. 36). The Krewe of Muses, an all-female Krewe who began parading in 2001, takes used shoes and transforms them into glittering works of art (see fig. 37) (Cornish, “Shoes”). Of all the throws, the Zulu coconut is probably, if not the, most
…show more content…
It is a legal holiday in the state of Louisiana where schools shut down and hundreds of tourists arrive. Second lines, parades, colorful beads, extravagant balls, and an array of costumes, king cakes, Cajun food, and jazz music are just a fraction of what occurs. Mardi Gras is reflective of New Orleans’ rich heritage and draws from European, African, and Native American cultures (Melancon). The Cajun French saying “Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler” meaning “let the good times roll” reflects the spirit of the people during the Mardi Gras season before the Lent begins. However, this culture does not hide the racial, social, and gender hierarchies prevalent during Mardi Gras …show more content…
This social group has existed and will continue to exist. The exclusivity of the balls, selective guest list, and lavish debutante season remains, but this particular part of Mardi Gras would not be the way it is without it. Many of my friends, whose families were not members Krewes, described it as a different world, and they are correct. However, this element of exclusivity and secrecy is not supposed to debar or make anyone feel belittled for not being a part of it. It is important to remember the time period when exploring the Krewes’ heritage and Carnival celebration, especially since these prestigious Krewes are responsible for the Mardi Gras traditions and culture we have today. Regardless, Mardi Gras will continue to change every year. New Krewes will form, and inevitably, some may disappear. As stated, traditions will form and some will disappear. The routes organizations take will change due to externalities out of the Krewes’ control as seen with Hurricane Katrina. New laws and regulations will be established in response to the changing community values and
It is a legal holiday in the state of Louisiana where schools shut down and hundreds of tourists arrive. Second lines, parades, colorful beads, extravagant balls, and an array of costumes, king cakes, Cajun food, and jazz music are just a fraction of what occurs. Mardi Gras is reflective of New Orleans’ rich heritage and draws from European, African, and Native American cultures (Melancon). The Cajun French saying “Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler” meaning “let the good times roll” reflects the spirit of the people during the Mardi Gras season before the Lent begins. However, this culture does not hide the racial, social, and gender hierarchies prevalent during Mardi Gras …show more content…
This social group has existed and will continue to exist. The exclusivity of the balls, selective guest list, and lavish debutante season remains, but this particular part of Mardi Gras would not be the way it is without it. Many of my friends, whose families were not members Krewes, described it as a different world, and they are correct. However, this element of exclusivity and secrecy is not supposed to debar or make anyone feel belittled for not being a part of it. It is important to remember the time period when exploring the Krewes’ heritage and Carnival celebration, especially since these prestigious Krewes are responsible for the Mardi Gras traditions and culture we have today. Regardless, Mardi Gras will continue to change every year. New Krewes will form, and inevitably, some may disappear. As stated, traditions will form and some will disappear. The routes organizations take will change due to externalities out of the Krewes’ control as seen with Hurricane Katrina. New laws and regulations will be established in response to the changing community values and