"Riverboat Zombies" ready for the Krewe of Crescent City Trucks Parade Mardi Gras morning.
Chile, when I tell you I am too pooped to pop, I am not lying one bit. I had a ball in New Orleans this past weekend, but it was indeed exhausting. Mardi Gras is one beast and my friends and family are another. I love them dearly and wouldn’t trade them for the world but I was being pulled in so many directions half the time I didn’t know if I was coming or going. Still, I wouldn’t change a single thing. They got me drunk, kept me fed (well, stuffed), took me out to a hookah bar, and made me laugh so I snorted from the depths of my soul. Good, bad or indifferent I love them dearly and can talk shit about them. But you better not say an ill word to or about them. Ya hear!?! LOL! (I’m serious though)
Mardi Gras has never been my favorite hometown celebration. It’s hard to navigate the city amidst the parade routes, traffic is horrible everywhere, and the wait at every single restaurant (and daiquiri shop) is tripled. I couldn’t even get crawfish in the city! One of my friends brought me some all the way from Baton Rouge because everywhere in New Orleans was sold out. Sheesh!
What I go home for is to ride in the Crescent City Truck Parade with my family. I didn’t start riding until the kid was about two years old. It is extremely important to me that he is raised engulfed in the culture of New Orleans. Before he was born I didn’t ride at all. My mom used to make all the costumes for all the riders. I would help her throughout the season and go with her to the float Mardi Gras morning for last minute alterations and to see everyone off. After that, she and I would sit and watch movies all day. That was our Mardi Gras bliss!
My family has been a part of the Krewe of Crescent City for the past 20+ years. The Krewe of Crescent City is the last parade to roll on Mardi Gras day and ‘signals the official “beginning of the end” of the Carnival Season’. We are responsible for our own theme, decorations and costumes. This year we were “Riverboat Zombies” and we placed in the top 10! Woot woot!
I was responsible for making everyone look like “walkers”. It was so much fun! Everyone really got into character immediately after seeing their faces. It really warmed my heart to see how much everyone enjoyed their faces.
In spite of the cold weather, we partied as usual. Our float is equipped with a DJ, a restroom, and a buffet of Maw Maw’s red beans and rice, hot dogs, fried chicken, Krispy Kreme doughnuts, and sweets like traditional calas. The family provides sodas, water, and beer, but you’re always welcome to BYOB. When you’re on a float for an entire day everything we have is essential.
While I enjoyed my time in New Orleans, I’m glad to get back home to a sense of normalcy. I just need a few more vacation days to get me back on the right track! New’Awlins will do that to you! I love my city!
-j
I was responsible for making everyone look like “walkers”. It was so much fun! Everyone really got into character immediately after seeing their faces. It really warmed my heart to see how much everyone enjoyed their faces.
In spite of the cold weather, we partied as usual. Our float is equipped with a DJ, a restroom, and a buffet of Maw Maw’s red beans and rice, hot dogs, fried chicken, Krispy Kreme doughnuts, and sweets like traditional calas. The family provides sodas, water, and beer, but you’re always welcome to BYOB. When you’re on a float for an entire day everything we have is essential.
While I enjoyed my time in New Orleans, I’m glad to get back home to a sense of normalcy. I just need a few more vacation days to get me back on the right track! New’Awlins will do that to you! I love my city!
-j
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