Saturday, August 25, 2018

House Of Dance And Feathers In New Orleans

Another cultural treasure that highlights the Mardi Gras traditions and Black cultural history in New Orleans is a museum called House Of Dance And Feathers.

Ronald Lewis, who is the director and curator, offers an inside look at the groups who bring Mardi Gras and the parades in the community to life. You'll see the beadwork gallery for the Mardi Gras Indians and costumes worn by the Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs and groups like the Skull and Bone Gang as well as Baby Dolls.

The image gallery on the site shows off the amazing beauty of the feathered suits worn by the Mardi Gras Indian tribes. He also provides an insight into the detailed work that goes into making a new one each year.

Being the president of Big Nine Social Aid and Pleasure Club as well former King of Krewe de Vieux  and former Council Chief of the Choctaw Hunters (which is a Mardi Gras Indian tribe he founded) Ronald W. Lewis brings an intimate knowledge of the local culture he wants to share with the world.

A survivor of Hurricane Katrina he and his wife reside in the Lower Ninth Ward. Contact them in advance for an appointment to visit since the museum is set up in the Lewis' backyard of their home.

For more information and to arrange viewing times check out their website: http://houseofdanceandfeathers.org

Feel free to leave comments below. Thanks for stopping by!


Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl
TheMardiGrasGirl.com

Photo Credit
House Of Dance And Feathers
http://houseofdanceandfeathers.org

Saturday, December 16, 2017

Mardi Gras Day 2018 Falls On February 13

Next year Mardi Gras Day will be  February 13, 2018. 

Don't wait until the last minute to travel to New Orleans, most of the parades and other festivities will be held at least 2 weeks before Fat Tuesday.

Remember Mardi Gras day is the final day of the Carnival Season. After that comes Ash Wednesday which is the beginning of Lent. So if you get there too late you'll miss out!

Feel free to post any questions or related comments below. Thanks for visiting, stop by again soon!


Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl
TheMardiGrasGirl.com

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Happy Mardi Gras Day 2017!




Hey, the big day has arrived. Today is Mardi Gras Day! This is the last day of the Carnival Season and celebrations. There's still time for you to enjoy the festivities if you're in the area. Lots of music clubs in the French Quarter, on Frenchmen Street and throughout the city will be partying until midnight tonight. After that it's Ash Wednesday and you'll have to wait until next year to do it again! 

Here's some Mardi Gras music from Professor Longhair to help you get into the mood. Enjoy! Happy Mardi Gras, yeaaaah!!!





Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl

Friday, February 10, 2017

Kermit Ruffins And Rebirth Brass Band Performing Song Mardi Gras Day

One of the things about Mardi Gras celebrations that I love is the music. The songs, the horns, especially along with the brass bands, just get me caught up in a party flow no matter where I am.

Kermit Ruffins, native New Orleans trumpet player and vocalist, teamed up with the renowned Rebirth Brass Band on their rendition of "Mardi Gras Day". You can play the video below to listen.









Feel free to post comments below and let me know what you'd like to see here. Thanks for stopping by.


Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl


Wednesday, February 8, 2017

The Mardi Gras Krewe Of Krewe Du Vieux

The Krewe du Vieux, one of New Orleans more controversial Mardi Gras krewes, will be parading Saturday, February 11, 2017. The name of their krewe is formally Krewe du Vieux CarrĂ©, and Vieux CarrĂ© is French for the French Quarter, a very popular neighborhood in New Orleans. 

They marched for the first time in 1987 and have been a local favorite with their satirical and amusing adult parade themes. "Where The Vile Things Are" and “Habitat for Insanity” are just a couple of examples. Also they continue to parade in the traditional fashion with mule drawn carriages in addition to other parade floats.

Krewe du Vieux was the first krewe to march during Mardi Gras after Hurricane Katrina in 2006. They gained national attention for facing adversity with humor. 


If you want to catch up with them visit this site which lays out their parade route:
http://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/schedule/parade-info/krewe-du-vieux.html

Feel free to post comments below. Thanks for visiting!

Photo credit: www.bestofneworleans.com / gambit


Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl
TheMardiGrasGirl.com