Mardi Gras season is upon us! Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler (let the good times roll)! Growing up in the heart of Cajun country in South Louisiana, you learn a thing or two about Mardi Gras. From sweet King Cakes, spicy crawfish, and beads galore, Mardi Gras is sure to be a fun time for all. During February we bleed purple, green, and gold! Here are 9 things that Louisianaians know about Mardi Gras:
1. Traffic on Johnston Street is horrendous because of parade barricades.
During Mardi Gras season, traffic in Lafayette is a nightmare because of parade barricades. Don't expect to get anywhere quickly with only one lane open and one way traffic on some of the city's busiest streets.
2. Daiquiri's are a favorite drink during parades.
Whether you enjoy strawberry, margarita, blue diesel or even King Cake flavored, there is a frozen treat for everyone. These adult style smoothies come in many different flavors and sure come in handy during the hot, humid mid-day parades.
3. Purple, green and gold ALWAYS go together.
During the carnival season everyone wants to be caught wearing the signature colors purple, green and gold! These colors are sure to complete your wardrobe and assure that you fit in with the locals!
4. If you don't consume at least three King Cakes during Mardi Gras season, you are a slacker.
Everyone has a favorite flavor or flavor combination! Whether it's strawberry, lemon, blueberry, cream cheese, chocolate, Bavarian cream, or even King Cake stuffed with boudin, there is a flavor that everyone will enjoy. This is the only time of the year to buy these sweet treats, so eating as many as you can in the short holiday season is customary.
5. Small, cute Children make great candidates for catching the most beads.
Bringing your nieces, nephews, or any small children you can round up is never a bad idea. Children are easily lifted up the side of the float in order to retrieve highly sought after throws. Their cuteness factor also entices float riders to "throw them something mister".
6. It's not a proper parade if Wayne Toups or Travis Matte music is not played on the floats.
A parade is not complete without zydeco or Cajun music blaring from speakers onboard the parade floats. Songs such as "Zydeco", "Vibrator", and "Take My Hand" are traditional Cajun parade jams. Music is definitely needed in order to pass a good time at parade celebrations.
7. Catching Moon Pies and Zulu coconuts are the ultimate prizes.
Parade throws vary from beads, to newspapers, and even stuffed animals. However, the ultimate parade catches are moon pies and Zulu coconuts. Given by the crew of Zulu in New Orleans, the beautifully decorated coconuts are a great conversation piece. Moon Pies are sweet cakes with a marshmallow center that come in chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors.
8. Mardi Gras masks and costumes are not required, but you will catch more beads if you dress festively.
Many people spend time off from the Mardi Gras season by making their traditional Mardi Gras costume for the next parade. Costumes can be as ornate or as plain as you like them. They are not required to be worn to Mardi Gras celebrations, however, they do showcase your enthusiasm for the celebration. Masks are also a popular addition to costumes.
9. Mardi Gras balls are like high school prom... for grownups!
Mardi Gras balls are just like high school dances, but for grown ups. Adults get all dressed up in formal attire and showcase their dancing skills. There is even a king, queen and court- just like high school homecoming or prom. The only difference, this dance doesn't feature adult chaperones!
