Original Poem From The Mardi Gras Girl

Original Poem by Sondra Carpenter AKA The Mardi Gras Girl, Owner and Author of The Mardi Gras Girl Blog.

The Fat Tuesday Experience

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Faint aroma of red pepper from the preparation of jambalaya.

Brass bands from high school musicians.

Guitar players sitting outside of clubs strumming.

Mardi Gras Indian tribes parading in their communities.

                           

Faded colors of beads crushed under foot.

Sound of quiet footsteps, tired of dancing.

Drunken revelers, stumbling on their way home.

Priests at St. Augustine Church preparing for Ash Wednesday service.

Until next year when the Mardi Gras celebration returns to New Orleans once again.

Photo credit: lisaleo / Pixabay

Sondra Carpenter

The Mardi Gras Girl

www.MardiGrasGirl.com

My Favorite Mardi Gras Throws

A recent admirer of The Mardi Gras Girl Blog asked me "Sondra, what are your favorite throws?

For you that are newbies (and that's OK, there's A LOT going on with Mardi Gras) throws are all the cool free stuff that the krewes on in the parades throw out to the adoring crowds.

Had to think on that question for a minute, but believe that beads are my ongoing favorite. But there's other stuff too that's fun like doubloons (customized coins), cups and more. 

While watching the live stream this year saw some reporters announce the Krewe of Zulu in addition to their signature coconuts and other usual throws were also giving out Michael Kors purses and wallets!

So you gotta go to Mardi Gras folks! You never know what's going to happen!

Beads, though, think I'll always love them. Easy to catch and enjoy wearing strands of them during the Carnival Season. Feel free to comment here and share your favorite Mardi Gras throws.

Photo credit: samslens / Pixabay

Sondra Carpenter

The Mardi Gras Girl

www.MardiGrasGirl.com

Happy Mardi Gras Day 2026 Folks!

Hey Folks! Happy Mardi Gras 2026! This is the last day of the Carnival Season, so enjoy it while you can!

A big part of the parades are the amazing floats which change in theme each year. The krewes put a ton of work into these all year and its fun to see the different themes. Some may be political, satirical, current events and of course just fun!

Here's a live stream of the parades of 2026: https://www.wdsu.com/article/new-orleans-mardi-gras-parades-live-stream-2026/70383226

Here is information on the amazing Mardi Gras parade floats: https://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/parades/mardi-gras-floats

Enjoy! Feel free to leave comments!

Sondra Carpenter

The Mardi Gras Girl

www.MardiGrasGirl.com

Mardi Gras Parade Schedule For 2026

If you haven't gotten around to making it to New Orleans yet, go soon! There are still lots of parades to check out including the ones that are going to be on Mardi Gras Day, February 17. 

But keep in mind the LAST day for all the festivities is also the Big Day! While you want to be there on Mardi Gras Day the Carnival Season actually begins in January. Keep that in mind for next year. 

Here's the link to the Mardi Gras Parade Schedule for 2026 so you can still make plans and won't miss out: https://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/parades/

Have fun!

Photo Credit: beebutter / Pixabay

Sondra Carpenter

The Mardi Gras Girl

www.MardiGrasGirl.com

Mardi Gras Day Also Known As Fat Tuesday

A little known or maybe not so little known fact is that Mardi Gras Day is French for Fat Tuesday. Mardi means Tuesday and Gras translates to Fat.

This is the last day where people indulge in food, drink and other vices before the Lenten season which begins the next day with Ash Wednesday. 

That's why I let folks who follow the Mardi Gras Girl Blog to get to New Orleans at least a week before the Big Day so they don't miss out on all the fun!

Photo credit: Ford Brackin / Pixabay

Sondra Carpenter

The Mardi Gras Girl

www.MardiGrasGirl.com

Mardi Gras Day 2026 Falls On February 17

Well Folks it's almost that time again! Mardi Gras Day or Fat Tuesday, as its also called will be on February 17, 2026 this year.

Remember this is the LAST DAY of the Carnival Celebration so get to New Orleans at least a few days before. The next day is Ash Wednesday and start of Lent. So if you wait until then, NO more parties and parades for you until next year! LOL!



Sondra Carpenter

The Mardi Gras Girl

www.MardiGrasGirl.com

 

The Mardi Gras Girl Posing

My cousin took this shot of me in 2011, when we last went to NOLA for Mardi Gras. I told her I thought I looked like a super hero. She said she thought I looked more like a villain, but if I'm feeling super hero then go with it. :0)

This is probably the craziest picture of me yet. Thought I sent it before, but here it is now. Figured you'd enjoy it.

Want to share any Mardi Gras pics? Keep it clean folks! Share here as a comment.

Sondra Carpenter

The Mardi Gras Girl

The Mardi Gras Girl Is Back In Action

Yes Folks, missed the posting of Mardi Gras information for 2025, my apologies. 

Unfortunately I have been sick most of this year. Walking across the street and getting hit by a car will do that to ya! LOL! Can't make this stuff up! Between time in the hospital, then rehab, then physical therapy, I've had a lot of medical issues taking up my time. 

But I'm hanging in there, walking now and still alive! Just wanted to let my followers/audience know that there will be a lot more posts to come, so stay tuned and share this blog.

Appreciate you, take care and be safe.

Sondra Carpenter

The Mardi Gras Girl

Happy Mardi Gras Day 2024!

Happy Mardi Gras Day 2024! Once again the biggest parades with the Krewe of Zulu as well as the Krewe of Rex are rolling the the streets of Uptown New Orleans. Catch them now folks this is the last day of Carnival Season!

Check out the footage of the parades, click here!

Thanks for visiting stay tuned for Mardi Gras and New Orleans culture, music and much more.

Sondra Carpenter

The Mardi Gras Girl

 

Mardi Gras Day 2024 Falls On February 13

Yep, Folks it's about that time again! Mardi Gras Day, AKA Fat Tuesday falls on February 13 for 2024. I'd say start getting ready but the fun is already going strong. The parties are rocking, the parades are getting started soon so get out there now!

Remember that Mardi Gras Day is that LAST day of the celebration. After that the next day is Ash Wednesday, time to go to church after all the the wildness of the Carnival Season.

Check out the Mardi Gras Parade Schedule, looks like they're starting on Wednesday, February 7. So get there if you can, there's nothing else like it!

Please feel free to post questions or comments, thanks for stopping by!

Sondra Carpenter

The Mardi Gras Girl

Happy Mardi Gras Day 2023!

Hey Folks! It's that time again! It's Mardi Gras Day! This is the LAST day of the Carnival Season, so if you haven't already get your party on today!

Check out the video that gives you a taste of the Mardi Gras parade experience. Featuring the krewes of Zulu, Femme Fatale, Oshun and more. 

Click to watch it now!

Enjoy! Feel free to leave comments below.

Sondra Carpenter

The Mardi Gras Girl

Mardi Gras Day 2023 Falls On February 21

Almost that time, before you know it Mardi Gras day will be upon us once more. NOW is the time to get out to New Orleans and get in the mix of all the entertainment and fun!

The parades have started and the party won't stop until Mardi Gras Day is over. That's right, that's the LAST day of the Carnival Season. 

Click here to check out the Mardi Gras Parade Schedule to see where the krewes are goign to be next! Enjoy!

Any comments? Leave them below. Thanks for visiting.

Sondra Carpenter

The Mardi Gras Girl

The Mardi Gras Girl Blog Is 10 Years Old!

I can hardly believe it, The Mardi Gras Girl Blog is actually 10 years old! It's been through changes of domain, times when I just ignored it, as well as being a resource of creativity and passion, inspiration and just plain fun. That's why the latest and greatest domain ends in .fun!

There's still a lot to share since the Mardi Gras celebration encompasses so much history and so many traditions. Amazing people who make up the krewes who run the parades, food that makes you wanna smack somebody it's so good, parade floats like nothing you've ever seen, and of course music, both New Orleans traditional as well as Mardi Gras, that moves you deep down in your soul. 

That and so much more are coming soon folks, so stay tuned! Please feel free to post comments on what you'd like to see covered here. Also share your Mardi Gras stories as well. 

Below is the link to one of my favorite posts, with Kermit Ruffins and the Rebirth Brass Band. Get in the flow and check out the song "All On A Mardi Gras Day". 

http://www.mardigrasgirl.com/2017/02/kermit-ruffins-and-rebirth-brass-band.html

Want MORE Mardi Gras Music? Click here: http://mardi gras music https://amzn.to/3i7AEC1

Thanks for visiting!

Sondra Carpenter

The Mardi Gras Girl

Learn How To Make A Traditional New Orleans King Cake For Mardi Gras

If you won't be able to make it to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, you don't have to miss out on all the amazing culinary treats available. One of the favorites is the King Cake, which is in a way really like a large cinnamon roll or pastry. 

It's usually topped with icing in the bright Mardi Gras colors of purple, green and gold. Also many people also include a small plastic doll in the image of baby Jesus. That's in celebration of the three Wise Men that visited Jesus on the the Twelth Night after Christmas.

In the video below you can check out how to make your own King Cake from scratch.

   

Or if you want to have one of the Traditional King Cakes by Nonna Randazzos - Shipped in Protective Box like the one pictured above, click here to shop now!

Thanks for visiting! Stayed tuned for more Mardi Gras fun!

Video credit: The Sweet Spot with Kirk Blouin

Sondra Carpenter

The Mardi Gras Girl

Mardi Gras Season And Parades Start On January 6 Known As The Twelfth Night

January 6 is the Twelfth Night which means the beginning of the Mardi Gras or Carnival Season. 

Less than two weeks after Christmas, New Orleans starts the celebration of the Twelfth Night. 

January 6th is referred to as the Feast of the Epiphany, when the Three Wise Men visited the Christ child. 

The Mardi Gras krewes are also back in action this year and the first parade is January 6th as well. The Krewe of Joan of Arc, also the patron saint of New Orleans, is scheduled to roll out at 7PM. Krewe of Joan of Arc parades that evening in The French Quarter and begins at the corner of Bienville and N. Front Street.

Afterwards the krewes The Société Des Champs Elysée, The Phunny Phorty Phellows who will be followed by The Funky Uptown Krewe will be parading.

For a full schedule of the parade dates, time, locations and krewe descriptions visit: https://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/parades/

Photo credit: Nola.com, Member of Krewe of Joan of Arc in costume.

Thanks for visiting!

Sondra Carpenter

The Mardi Gras Girl

Mardi Gras Day 2022 Falls On March 1

Yes folks, it's almost that time again, before you know it Mardi Gras Day 2022 will be here! Now although the date of Fat Tuesday will be March 1, 2022, the parades are actually going to start next month. 

The first will be on January 6, 2022, we'll be posting more soon and providing a link to the parade schedules as well. Of course with everything going on regarding the pandemic, arrangements for the celebrations are subject to change without notice. 

But make sure you take precautions, be safe, and enjoy!

Sondra Carpenter

The Mardi Gras Girl

Support The Online Fundraiser For Feed The Second Line In New Orleans

Want to announce the launch of the Online Fundraiser for Feed The Second Line, a nonprofit in New Orleans to help provide assistance to culture bearers like Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs, Mardi Gras Indians and brass bands affected by Hurricane Ida. 

It runs from Saturday October 16, 2021 through Sunday October 31, 2021. You'll be able to purchase personal and household items like hand soap, deodorant, lotion and much more and have them delivered to your door throughout the US.

Donations will be made to the organization from sales commissions through the online store. Please shop as often as you'd like and share the link with your family, friends and associates. The main link is https://www.avon.com/fundraiser/hurricaneidareliefnola

You can also share and visit the short link, it redirects to the main site: www.ftslfundraiser.com

Thank you in advance for your support.

Sondra Carpenter

The Mardi Gras Girl

 

Caroline Cotto Now Featuring Her New Song Cherry Red

Caroline Cotto, New Orleans singer/songwriter, presents Cherry Red, a manifesto for freedom, truth and rock n’ roll. In homage to her Puerto Rican heritage as well as their determination, resilience and passion. 

Imagine leaving your country in search for beauty, love and truth. That’s exactly what Caroline Cotto was brave enough to do after her 22nd birthday. She toiled away in the NYC music scene for years before she left to live in Paris and explore Europe for artistic opportunities to enrich her writing and music. She dreamed by the Seine, wrote in cafes and wandered the Louvre for hours. She describes this as her own beautiful version of the Lost Generation. Caroline then lived in London playing bluesand soaking up the history of her rock heroes before moving to New Orleans.

Caroline Cotto is an artist who has thought deeply about her experiences. Her poetic lyrics and soulful voice weave the story of a woman on a journey to her salvation, a woman who has sacrificed the familiar for her dreams, a woman with incessant curiosityand desire to better herself and the world.  

Check out her video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrFJOb4OLNY

Thanks for visting. Feel free to post comments below.

Sondra Carpenter

The Mardi Gras Girl

Happy Mardi Gras Day 2021!

Well folks it's that time again, it's Mardi Gras Day. Here's the last chance to get your party on since tomorrow is Ash Wednesday. So do it pandemic style and social distance from home so the only mask you'll need is your Mardi Gras mask!

Hope you've enjoyed the posts, feel free to let me know in the comments below what you'd like to see covered here.

Thanks for visiting and stay tuned for more Mardi Gras, culture, traditions and history here throughout the year!

Sondra Carpenter

The Mardi Gras Girl

 

Send Love To The Second Line In New Orleans

Unfortunately the pandemic has hit New Orleans extremely hard and lot of the people impacted are of color. Another project of the Krewe of Red Beans, a nonprofit organization, is called Feed The Second Line. 

The second line refers to the folks who are the culture bearers, the people who make up the Black Mardi Gras experience like the Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs, Mardi Gras Indians, Baby Doll groups, musicians and other artists throughout New Orleans.

The elders receive rides to get their vaccines through younger musicians for hire.  Also donations go to local restaurants to order meals which allow those businesses to stay open. Then the meals are delivered to the elders in the communities where it's most needed.

To support our culture bearers during this difficult time visit:  https://www.feedthesecondline.org  Please donate what you can.

Photo credit: NY Times, City of New Orleans, courtesy of Crista Rock. Member of the Young Men Olympians Benevolent Association, a Social Aid and Pleasure Club.

Thanks for stopping by. Leave comments on what you'd like to see here. 

Sondra Carpenter

The Mardi Gras Girl