Carnival and Mardi Gras

09Feb
Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.
 -Hebrews 13:1-2


Almost 13 years ago to the day, I moved to New Orleans during Mardi Gras (literally on Lundi Gras, to be precise, my moving truck arrived for my new apartment on St Charles Avenue, though thankfully, a few blocks away from the parade route). Being from Savannah, the closest comparison I had for Carnival and Mardi Gras was the St Patrick’s Day celebrations there, and I knew it would come around again the next year-so I got a gallon of frozen daiquiris and got to unpacking my new flat. I had attended several parades in the preceding weeks as I interviewed and looked for an apartment, but I knew the actual day would look a little different that year.


What’s funny is that every year since then, 13 years later, I still celebrate the whole season a little differently each time. No two years have been alike. I still haven’t watched every Carnival parade or seen every non-parading krewe’s tableaux or tasted every king cake. Lately I’ve been loving celebrating walking krewes with my children, and the beauty (and time and skill) of handmade throws. It’s truly wild to me how diverse the celebrations can be, even depending on your neighborhood or your spirit that year. Going down to the river with my beloved dog’s ashes was a particularly healing Mardi Gras day for me. 


New Orleans is a magical place who entertains its angels unawares. I always compare New Orleans to a helping hand lifting you up, but I also picture it as a hand throwing fun things. New Orleans is a place that gives. There’s always a throw to catch or a new opportunity to make a friend. And yes, I truly believe that if you love New Orleans, she’ll love you back. 


Musical Reflection - Go to the Mardi Gras - Professor Longhair


Gracious God, thank you for Carnival and Mardi Gras. Thank you for the abundance we celebrate during this season, and help us to keep this spirit all year long. Amen.

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