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New Orleans is on a roll! Fresh off the Saints' first-time win at the Super Bowl—which got its own raucous parade last week—came Mardi Gras, still America's craziest street party.
We sent photographer Michael Mohr out to capture the wild costumes, impromptu parades, and energetic, bead-hungry crowds. See the results in our slide show, and look out for photo #9 of couples in clothes and hats made with iconic plastic beads and doubloons.
Michael grew up in New Orleans, and one of his fondest memories, as a boy at Mardi Gras, was getting a prized Zulu coconut. His family and friends lined up along parade routes each year as early as 4 a.m. to claim their territory. They came prepared with tons of food: red beans and rice, Zapps potato chips, jambalaya, beer, and two boxes of Popeye's fried chicken and biscuits.
"There is an energy about Mardi Gras that is beyond explanation," Michael wrote me. "You have to be there to feel it and understand it." True, but his photos get you close!
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Great shots that really capture the excitement of Mardi Gras! It's been years since I was last in New Orleans -- these photos make me want to return soon.
Posted By Joe Routon on February 18, 2010, 11:12 AM
Great pictures, I long to be back in New Orleans and just once before I die, I hope to get to Mardi Gras !
Posted By Arleen on February 18, 2010, 12:55 PM
My darling husband SURPRISED me for Valentine's w/ a trip to my hometown for Mardi Gras- we stayed 5 nights in the French Quarter, went to all the big parades, threw beads off a balcony on Bourbon St., ate all the typical NOLA foods, and just enjoyed the whole spectacle. The costumes were amazing, the people R so friendly, and the parades are incredible. HUGE A** floats!! Everyone is celebrating the Saints' Superbowl win and surviving the aftermath of Katrina. It was my new husband's 1st-ever MG and the first in over 15 years for me, and THIS was the one to be at! By all means, GO to a Mardi Gras (and French Quarter Fest, and Jazz Fest, and Voodoo Fest...)
Posted By Elaine on February 18, 2010, 1:51 PM
Great photos! What a great time for the Gulf Coast. Super Bowl, Valentine's Day and Mardi Gras. Just when you think the party is over it's St. Patrick's Day. Great place to live.
Posted By Linda in Mississippi on February 18, 2010, 3:17 PM
Awesome pics. How do you nab a spot on a balcony?
Posted By Amy Chen on February 18, 2010, 4:15 PM
Great photos; however I feel a need to point out that "Mardi Gras Day" is redundant; it translates to Fat Tuesday Day!
Posted By Kerri Diaz on February 18, 2010, 5:02 PM
Next time you send for photos, be sure they know NOT to shoot into the sun, can frame the subject and know how to flash fill. A high school photo class will help.
Posted By Proforma on February 19, 2010, 11:42 AM
Thanks for all your comments!
Amy: It's not easy to nab a balcony spot. Michael, the photographer, suggests arriving early and going in a group of two or more so that if one person goes to get drinks or use the bathroom, someone else can hold your spot. It's usually easier to get a spot on the balconies that charge a fee for the privilege.
Kerri: Some of the captions use the phrase Mardi Gras Day to emphasize that those particular photos were shot on Tuesday itself. Some other photos are from the weekend leading up to Mardi Gras, which is a multi-day affair!
Posted By Kate Appleton on February 19, 2010, 12:02 PM
As a former French teacher who gave 34 consecutive Mardi Gras parties, I forwarded these great photos to my Facebook, and a few friends have already begun planning our trip to N'Awlins! Any hotels with balconies to recommend?
Posted By deborah benedic on February 23, 2010, 3:04 AM
Fantastic article covering some points I really needed. Thanks
Posted By drożdżowa pizza on March 11, 2012, 10:33 AM