The Mardi Gras Krewe Of Rex

One of the biggest and oldest Mardi Gras krewes is Rex, which has also held the most parades.

The krewe began in 1872 in response to having a way of entertaining guests and getting support to get businesses and prominent individuals to invest in New Orleans after the Civil War. 
Also Grand Duke Alexis Romanoff from Russia was due to visit New Orleans for Mardi Gras that year, so everyone wanted to make a good impression.



Despite its prominence the Krewe Of Rex is not considered a Super Krewe since they still don't use a lot technological advances in their parades like fiber optic lights. Their  parades are run the way they originally have been for generations with colorfully costumed members and decorative floats. The Rex parade is managed by the organization The School Of Design.

The tradition continues on today to prepare for the arrival of Rex, The King Of Carnival to
arrive into the city by boat on the Monday before Mardi Gras Day, which is also called Lundi Gras.

Rex is Latin for "King" and Rex reigns during the Mardi Gras season as the King Of Carnival.

Photo Credit: Sabree Hill - UptownMessenger.com


Please feel to post questions or comments below. Thanks for stopping by!


Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl
TheMardiGrasGirl.com

Mardi Gras 2017 Will Be February 28

Hey it's almost that time again folks. Mardi Gras Day will fall on Tuesday, February 28 for 2017.

Make sure you try to take in the parades and festivities the two weeks prior to Fat Tuesday, that's the highlight of the Carnival Season.

Also Mardi Gras Day is the last day for celebrating. Everyone's either passed out, asleep or in church the next day since that's Ash Wednesday!



Feel free to post comments below and let me know what you've like to see covered here. Thanks for visiting.


Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl

Celebrate Lundi Gras Or Fat Monday The Day Before Mardi Gras

If the culmination of parades and celebrations wasn't enough on Mardi Gras Day, you'll also
have fun if you're in new Orleans the day before, which is Lundi Gras, or Fat Monday, as it's also called. For 2017 it will fall on February 27.

The tradition revolves around Rex, the King Of Carnival arriving in the city by boat. Lots
of river themed events take place as well. The Social Aid and Pleasure Club Zulu will be hosting their Zulu Lundi Gras Festival. It runs all day and is free to the public. Woldenberg Park near the river is the location and is scheduled to start at 10AM. 


Another annual celebration is held at Riverwalk Marketplace. They host Lundi Gras at Spanish Plaza with Rex coming in at 6PM. They'll also have fireworks on the Mississippi Rivera and entertainers.

Lundi Gras is the day before Mardi Gras, so make sure to check out the festivities. Remember Mardi Gras Day is the last day of the Carnival season. 

Photo credit: Nola.com

Feel free to post comments below. Thanks for stopping by.


Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl

Mardi Gras Everyday At Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World

Ever want to see where a lot of the action begins for the amazing Mardi Gras parades? It starts with the parade floats! Since 1984 Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World has offered tours of their warehouse where you can even watch some of the artists working.

Blaine Kern Studios has actually been creating the imaginative floats and props for New Orleans Mardi Gras parades since 1947. They also make them for Philadelphia's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Universal Studios in Florida, Toho Park in Japan as well as amusement parks and casinos worldwide.

The space is part museum and part art studio. Many of the the floats are stored here from the New Orleans celebrations and may be re-used and updated. Costumes and figures are also available to view. You're offered and up close and personal look at how they make all the magic happen.

Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World is located at 1380 Port of New Orleans Pl., New Orleans, LA 70114, you can visit their website at: http://www.mardigrasworld.com

Feel free to post comments below. Thanks for visiting.


Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl

Happy Mardi Gras Day 2016!

Hey, Happy Mardi Gras 2016! Check out the live stream for the Mardi Gras parades and floats for the big day. This is it, starting with the Krewe of Zulu, who's celebrating 100 years of incorporation with new floats,  through the Krewe of Crescent City in New Orleans. 

New Orleans Local News, Weather, Sports, Investigations

Check it out, have fun!

Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl

Your First Mardi Gras Celebration? Then Make Sure You Read This

Taking precautions always makes sense whenever you plan to attend a parade or other public street fair and Mardi Gras is no exception.

People from all over the world converge on the city of New Orleans throughout the Carnival season, but the last few days counting down to Fat Tuesday are particularly crowded. 

If this is your first time taking part in the Big Easy's massive party or even if you're a Mardi Gras veteran, here are a few things to keep in mind. These 5 tips will help you enjoy the festivities even more:


1. Get an early start
Plan to arrive at parade routes near the beginning of where the krewes will be starting out. When I say early, I mean at least 3 hours. Crowds will swell up quickly and you want to make sure you'll be able to see the floats and be close enough to catch the throws.

2. Dress the part
When I say pay attention to what you're wearing I don't mean just your costume. Check the weather prior to leaving since it can vary this time of year. Plan on layering your clothing; it can be warm, cold, rainy or sunny. 

3. Have a game plan for meals
While you're on the parade route it'll be difficult to get food since restaurants will be incredibly crowded. You may be able to find vendors that have snacks, but don't count on it. Pack your own lunch and try to keep your bag as light as possible, it will be a very long day. Besides you'll need room for the beads and throws you're going to catch!

4. Forget about driving
Don't be concerned about trying to drive anywhere during the Mardi gras weekend. The entire 
French Quarter is closed off for vehicle traffic unless you're driving a float or your car is in the parade with a krewe. Cabs will be difficult to find as well so plan a walking path from your hotel to the parade route.


5. French Quarter is NOT for kids during Mardi Gras
Stay on the parade route areas in Mid-City, Uptown, Central Business District and other areas of the city if you're coming to enjoy Mardi Gras with children. The out of control, risque behavior that gets all the media attention happens in the French Quarter, particularly on Bourbon Street. There are no parades in that area and that's the main reason you came! Most of the Mardi Gras celebrations are family friendly, so no worries if you keep to where the floats travel. 


Hope this helps, if you have any questions or want to add tips from your own Mardi Gras experiences feel free to comment below. Thanks for reading.

*** Want more travel tips? Click here for my post on catching beads and click here for the one on solo travel during Mardi Gras. And most of all, have fun! Yeaaah!


Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl

2016 Is The 20th Anniversary Of The Krewe Of Oshun

The Mardi Gras parades are rolling! Today, Friday, January 29 the Krewe Of Oshun will parade in the Uptown section of New Orleans starting at 6:00PM. This year also marks the krewe's 20th annivarsary!

This year's theme is called It's a Sea of Beauty. It's all about everything beneath the sea. Floats will reflect the ocean including sea horses, oysters and more. Throws will include peacock themed krewe bracelets and fans as well as beads. Also the New Orleans Marching Baby Dolls will be featured in the parade.

This krewe is run by African American women; it's named after the Yoruba goddess of beauty and love with their symbol being the peacock. Oshun also represents fountains and wealth to people throughout the African diaspora particularly Brazil, Cuba and Haiti.

The organization was founded in 1996, providing community service and entertainment throughout the year.

Click here to check out their schedule.
Photo credit: Sabree Hill - UptownMessenger.com

Thanks for reading, feel free to comment below.


Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl

Mardi Gras Parades For 2016

The party is ON folks! Just because Mardi Gras Day falls on February 9, 2016 this year doesn't mean you have to wait until next month to start enjoying the festivities.

Krewes have been rolling their colorful floats and throwing trinkets not only around the French Quarter, but they'll also be appearing Uptown, near the Garden District as well as Marigny and Mid City. Some will also parade outside of the city in areas like Metairie. 

For a full schedule of all of the parades including maps and krewes' estimated start time, click here.

Feel free to post comments below, thanks for stopping by!


Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl

Celebrate The King Cake Festival On January 31

Well, you've probably figured out by now that residents of New Orleans will come up with almost any reason at all to start a celebration.

If you missed it last year, you'll have another chance to participate in the second annual King Cake Festival this month, January 31. Revel in many the versions of this traditional Mardi Gras baked treat. 

This is a family friendly event so you can bring the children, they even have a kid's zone. If you get a wristband for $10 it includes beverages, prizes and more. It's actually a benefit for babies and children at Oschner Hospital.

The festival is free and runs from 11AM to 5PM and will be held on LaSalle Street in Champion Square. You can also get unlimited snacks and open bar for $60 as a VIP Club Member. OF COURSE there will be live music, after all this is New Orleans!

If you don't know anything about the King Cake click here to check out my previous post.

Thanks for visiting!

Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl
Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl

5 Ways You Can Be A Mardi Gras Star And Ride A Parade Float

It's a lot of fun to yell "Throw me something mister!" in the streets of New Orleans during
Mardi Gras to get the krewe members to hurl some beads at you. But have you ever thought about actually being a part of the action and riding on a parade float while throwing trinkets to the adoring crowds in your costume? 

Well there's a few ways you can do just that. One easy way to participate is to go through New Orleans Craigslist postings and look for krewe members advertising space available on their float. 

I've seen an ad that says they provide a costume, food and drinks included in the fee. Did a search for Mardi Gras in Community to find listings. 

Click here to view this link that covers 4 more ways to be part of the Mardi Gras parade experience.
Photo credit: Carol M. Highsmith

Let me know what you think of this post. You can post comments below.


Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl

Like My Facebook Fan Page The Mardi Gras Girl

Created a Facebook Fan Page called The Mardi Gras Girl...what else? Will not only have additional Mardi Gras pictures and updates but also posting more music videos.

So if you'd like to see and hear the artists who are playing the blues, jazz and zydeco music that make up the Carnival and New Orleans sound like Kermit Ruffins, Treme Brass Band, Glen David Andrews and more, make sure to visit: https://www.facebook.com/TheMardiGrasGirl

Please feel free to comment, ask questions and share. Thanks for visiting!


Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl

Mardi Gras Day 2016 Is On February 9

Well people, Mardi Gras 2016 will be here before you know it. Next year it falls on Tuesday, February 9.

Make sure you don't wait until the last minute to visit New Orleans for the festivities. Remember Mardi Gras Day is the LAST day of the Carnival Season. The next day is Ash Wednesday and folks will either be in church repenting for what they've done, hungover or asleep!

The best time to arrive is about 2 weeks prior to the big day. That's when a lot of the parades will be running throughout the city. You'll be able to see them in the French Quarter, Uptown New Orleans as well as near the Garden District on St. Charles Avenue. 

Stay tuned for more updates. Feel free to post comments below and thanks for visiting!


Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl

Hey The Mardi Gras Girl Is Baaaaack!

Hi folks, my apologies that I've been away so long, but well, life happens. Anyway I'll be posting regularly again. Please feel free to comment and let me know what Mardi Gras related topics you'd like to see covered here.

One topic I do plan on having more posts on is music, since I love the sound of New Orleans. I've started with one of the native musicians Glen David Andrews. Click here to check out my previous post featuring him as well as a video of one of his live performances.

Will also be reviewing some of the traditional brass bands like the Rebirth and Treme Brass Bands.

So glad to have you back if you're a loyal follower, if you're a new visitor welcome to my little world, lol!



Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl

Happy Mardi Gras Day 2014!

Despite the scene in this picture it's actually a little cool and wet in New Orleans this morning, but you better believe the party will NOT stop!

Check out the live coverage through the video below and stay tuned for more Mardi Gras updates!


Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl



New Orleans Local News, Weather, Sports, Investigations

Mardi Gras Open House At The Backstreet Cultural Museum And See The Skull And Bone Gangs

The ongoing tradition on the morning of Mardi Gras Day is the Open House at the Backstreet Cultural Museum in the Treme section of New Orleans, right outside of the French Quarter.

This is where you can get a look up close and personal of the Mardi Gras tribes in their new suits, carefully handcrafted over the last year. 

Also the Open House starts off at 8AM with "Breakfast With The Bone Gang" celebrating one of the many New Orleans traditions, they date back to the 1800's. The Skull and Bone Gangs, dressed in costumes resembling skeletons, go around very early in the neighborhood on Mardi Gras Day and tell children to live right or the spirits may come and get them soon. They remind us all to live for the moment and enjoy each day we are blessed with. 

Click here to check out my previous post about the Backstreet Cultural Museum.

Thanks for reading, Happy Mardi Gras!

Photo credit: LA Reno Photography - www.larenophotography.com

Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl

Some History Regarding The Mardi Gras Beads

The trinkets thrown from the Mardi Gras parade floats are part of one of many traditions. There are some differing ideas on when it started but general opinion is that they are a more recent introduction to the celebrations, starting around the 1920's with the Rex street parades. 

An industry has grown over the years with manufacturers coming up with all types of beads to be tossed to the eager crowds. In addition to the traditional purple, green and gold Mardi Gras colors the beads can also come in all sorts of designs as well as other colors. It still amazes me how excited people from all over the world get to be able to show off wearing what they managed to catch. That includes me, of course, lol!

If you want to find out more about the Mardi Gras colors, click here to check out one of my previous posts.

The trinkets can include not only beads but also plastic cups, doubloons, which are printed coins, and small stuffed animals. Bead strands have gotten longer and more of the throws are now customized with the different krewe names and logos. The krewes need to purchase their throws at least 6-8 months in advance of the parade schedule. 

Another throw, that's actually unique to the Krewe of Zulu, is the coconut. Originally they were tossed out into the crowd, but for safety reasons, an actual "coconut bill" was initiated by the local officials so that they're now handed out instead. It's one of the most sought after Mardi Gras souvenirs. Want to read more, click here.

Also click here to check out my post on catching Mardi Gras beads at the parades.

Thanks for reading, feel free to leave comments below.


Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl

Schedules Of New Orleans Mardi Gras Parades For 2014

If you're lucky enough to be in New Orleans this Carnival season, I'm sure you've see some of the amazing Mardi Gras parades. Krewes, which are local social groups, put together floats and incredible costumes and and toss lots of fun things like beads and toys, known as throws, to the screaming crowds.

Since it's sometimes difficult, especially to Mardi Gras newcomers, to know when and where the parades start, this post will cover the schedules from Friday, February 21, 2014 through Fat Tuesday.

Click here for the Parade Schedules. Have fun! Will be posting more on the types of throws.

Feel feel to leave comments below, especially if you have parade stories to tell, hee hee!


Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl

Mardi Gras 2014 Falls On March 4

This year, 2014 Mardi Gras Day, also known as Fat Tuesday, falls on March 4. The parades started as of yesterday, so make sure you get to the Big Easy soon. 

Remember now is the time to be in the middle of all the parties, parades and fun for the Carnival season. Mardi Gras Day is actually the last day of celebration, after that comes Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent.



So "Laissez les bons temps rouler" - pronounced (Lazay-Lay Bon-Tom Roulay) which means let the good times roll!

Stay tuned for the parade schedules! Thanks for visiting.


Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl

Highlights From Mardi Gras New Orleans 2013

Mardi Gras 2013 Highlights And Wrap-Up | Mardi Gras New Orleans 2013

 

Click the link above the mask for updates on Mardi Gras 2013!

Even with the rain you couldn't keep the folks from partying! Enjoy!


Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl

Happy Mardi Gras 2013!

Well it's Mardi Gras Day 2013, folks. Fat Tuesday is alive and well in New Orleans!

Here's a some popular Mardi Gras music to get you in the mood if you haven't made it there.









Enjoy!

Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl

Free Mardi Gras Music Playlist

One of the great things to enjoy during Mardi Gras season is the music. Basin Street Records in New Orleans has been in the business supporting major local talent such as Kermit Ruffins, one of my favorites, Jason Marsalis, Dr. Michael White, Rebirth Brass Band and others since 1997.

If you visit their site you'll see on the left of the main page a great playlist of Mardi Gras music available free. Definitely worth checking out to get you in the Mardi Gras mood. Have fun!

 

Thanks for visiting, feel free to leave comments below.

 

Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl

Mardi Gras Parade Schedules For 2013

Hey Folks! Today is the the Twelfth Night, also know as the Feast of the Epiphany or Three Kings Day! That means this is the start of the Carnival Season for 2013! YEAHHH!!

Mardi Gras Day will be here before you know it! This post will include links to some sites that provide schedules, updates and travel information as well as details on the Mardi Gras parades throughout the Carnival season for 2013.

This year the parades have been bumped back a week due to the Super Bowl being hosted in New Orleans. If you think Mardi Gras is a crazy time, just imagine the party action that will be going on if the Saints win!

It all starts in the Uptown section of New Orleans today. The Krewe of the Phunny Phorty Phellows will start parading to get the Carnival celebrations started.

The Mardi Gras krewes and marching clubs are scheduled to parade throughout the city. They come through Uptown, which usually means through St. Charles Avenue, as well as Canal Street and streets adjacent to the French Quarter. Soooooo start getting ready for some awesome floats, costumes, and of course, some amazing music!

This site has some great pics as well as details on area tours and news: http://www.mardigrasparadeschedule.com/

Here's another site for schedules: http://www.nola.com/mardigras/parades/ 

Hope you enjoyed this post, thanks for visiting. Feel free to leave comments below.


Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl