Lake Dallas preps for annual Mardi Gras | Lake Cities Sun | starlocalmedia.com Obituaries Close Members of the Louie Buoy Krewe float wave as they travel along the streets of Lake Dallas in the annual Mardi Gras parade. The family friendly event features the parade, food, music and more. Lake Dallas preps for annual Mardi Gras Ashley O'Bannon-McClain aobannon@starlocalmedia.com Members of the Louie Buoy Krewe float wave as they travel along the streets of Lake Dallas in the annual Mardi Gras parade. The family friendly event features the parade, food, music and more. One of Lake Dallas’ biggest events will be making its way to the city later this month. The annual Lake Dallas Mardi Gras event will take place Feb. 17. Stephanie Berndt, community relations manager for Lake Dallas, said she is looking forward to another fun year of Mardi Gras. “Mardi Gras is going to be great, Berndt said. “It really is a fun time.” The annual event has become one of the city's most anticipated events of the year for the last 10 years.

The event starts with the parade, which will feature floats from locals in the Lake Cities area. According to Berndt, Lake Dallas is one of the only cities or organizations in the area that does a parade for Mardi Gras. “The parade is a huge deal,” Berndt said. Those who create a float for the parade will be entered into a contest with first place winning $500. A panel of three judges votes on the best and most festive float of the evening. The parade is headed by grand marshals who are chosen based on suggestions made to the city. The city primarily looks for those who contribute greatly and help make improvements to the Lake Cities community. This year, the grand marshals for the parade are elementary teacher Monica May and secondary teacher Tonya Monden. “We wanted to honor LDISD teachers of the year as grand marshals,” Berndt said. Following the parade, event goers are treated to festivities in the city hall parking lot. Berndt said she is particularly excited about the food vendors that will be featured. “I have a very picky process, “Berndt said.

“I go over all menus and make sure none are replicated.” While normally there are four to five food vendors at the Lake Dallas Mardi Gras, this year will feature nine vendors. One food truck, Best Bayou Bites, is a newer food truck that was recently awarded Top 10 Rookie Food Truck of the Year for 2014. “They are a newer food truck, but they will have the traditional Mardi Gras food like bourbon burgers, Mardi Gras king cake and possibly alligator,” Berndt said. Berndt said one fan favorite is a vendor called Cajun Kitchen, which happens to sponsor the crawfish contest. “He always sells out,” Berndt said. “People love him.” Along with food, the event will feature music provided by the Lake Dallas High School Jazz Band and the well-known N’awlins Gumbo King jazz band. The event will also feature a mask contest with the local elementary and middle schools. The contest is judged by the Lake Dallas seniors who pick six winners out of the entries. Bounce houses, face painting and balloons will also be available for families to enjoy. Berndt said what makes the event great for the community is that it is a family friendly event.

“One thing we like to stress is that it is a family friendly event,” Berndt said. “I think parents appreciate that and take their kids to a safe environment. That will always be our No. 1 focus.” In terms of attendance, the Lake Dallas Mardi Gras has produced nearly 1,000 attendants. Berndt said she thinks the high attendance is because the event is low cost and provides a fun time for families. “We try to provide as many free or low cost events for the community,” Berndt said. “It’s a great, fun and casual thing to do. I think the kids look forward to it too because of the parade and masks. It really is a lot of fun.” For information on the Lake Dallas Mardi Gras event or to sponsor a float in the parade, visit lakedallas.com for details. × Mardi Gras New Orleans Mardi Gras New Orleans The Parades Start Here. What is a Mardi Gras Indian? Where are the best places for families to enjoy the fun? Are there still hotel rooms available? Which krewes have the best throws? What are the chances of catching a Zulu coconut?

You’ll find the answers to all these questions and more at MardiGrasNewOrleans – your catch-all for everything Carnival. Don your purple, green and gold and join us in New Orleans this February for “The Greatest Free Show on Earth.” Mardi Gras 2017 is Tuesday, February 28. We're counting down the minutes. Mardi Gras History & Tradition Mardi Gras is rich with history and tradition. Click here to find out how did i all began and how tradition have changed through the years. Ever wonder where Mardi Gras is made? There are plenty of tours in New Orleans, but for a real, behind-the-scenes look at New Orleans Mardi Gras, there’s only one definitive experience: the Mardi Gras World tour. This tour allows you to see firsthand what it takes to bring Mardi Gras to life year after year. Witness the hard work and extensive planning that goes into this grand event when you tour Kern Studios, an operating workshop that has created breathtaking floats for Mardi Gras and other parades around the world since 1947. Visit MardiGrasWorld.com for more info today! And be sure to print a coupon for your tour!

"As Mayor of the great City of New Orleans, I invite you to visit our city to experience the excitement of Mardi Gras! While the excitement of New Orleans with its music, food and culture is year-round, we invite everyone to experience Mardi Gras at least once in their lifetime... READ MORE What to expect from Mardi Gras Home > Help Center > Articles > "What to expect from Mardi Gras" What to expect from Mardi Gras Let the good times roll! February 2012 by Amy Mardis Gras is an elaborate celebration that conjures up many different thoughts around the United States and moreover, the world. In 1699, the first people in North America learned of an amazing festival. Pierre le Moyne, a French explorer, brought the story of 'Mardi Gras' from his native country, France, to what is now Louisiana. In French, Mardi Gras literally means 'Fat Tuesday', signifying the day prior to the start of Lent and the fasting season for Anglican and Catholic believers. For these people, Fat Tuesday is the last opportunity to revel in the delight of rich, decadent foods until after the Easter Holiday.

In New Orleans, this food comes in the form of shrimp, crawfish, etoufees and jambalaya. For dessert, King Cake is the key. The cake has a small trinket inside and the person who gets the piece of cake with the trinket has various privileges and obligations. In the 1700's, Mardi Gras was celebrated much differently than today, in the form of a private costume ball. Not until much later that a group called the 'Mystik Krewe of Comus' begin the tradition of floats, parades and costume parties. Mardi Gras as we have come to know it, is the defining event of the Carnival Celebration. In fact, the celebration has become so large; it is the greatest tourist attraction for the city of New Orleans; drawing nearly 80,000 participants and revelers. Mardi Gras events take place all over the world. These places include: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Barranquilla, Colombia; Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago; Quebec City, Canada; Mazatlan, Mexico and New Orleans, Louisiana.

The Importance of Baptism Baptism is an integral part of Christianity, making it vital that we understand the meaning of baptism and its place in Christian history. Learn about the baptism of Jesus Christ's early followers, what the Bible teaches us about baptism, meaning and reason for baptism, and why we must obey God's commandments in order to spend eternity in the kingdom of God... read more A Guide to Planning a DIY Wedding So there's a wedding in your future - congratulations! Once you've stopped bouncing off the walls in excitement, you're going to embark on one of the most daunting tasks of married life: planning the wedding. Unfortunately, there's a lot of negative social stigma attached to planning a wedding these days... read more A Guide to Italian Weddings There are all types of weddings that couples can choose to have involving cultures and traditions of the past. One such avenue is that of the Italian wedding that takes on the cultural feel and traditions of Ancient Rome. When having an Ancient Roman/Italian wedding, all factors leading up to the big day are important... read more Happy Chinese New Year | Ring in the Year of the Snake with traditional celebrations Chinese New Year is the most important Chinese holiday of the year.

It's just around the corner, this year taking place on February 10. The date of the holiday rotates, since it is based on the lunar calendar. The Chinese New Year celebration lasts fifteen days, ending with the Lantern Festival... read more Give Back this Holiday Season | Host a "Give Back" Get-together! The holidays are a time of giving. It's easy to get caught up in gift giving to those around you; family and friends, but it's important to all of us at Invitation Consultants to give to those who might not be as fortunate as we are... read more Pet Birth Announcements Throughout the years, pets have become increasingly important in a family's life. Showcasing dogs, cats, and other little creatures is an ongoing trend in the special occasion and stationery industry. Sending pet holiday cards and including the little ones in a wedding ceremony is the norm these days... read more Valentine's Day Cards | Share the Love There are so many ways to share your love with those special valentines in your life! You can't send everyone a box of chocolates, so why not a Valentine's Day Card? These sweet little notes let everyone know they're loved...

read more Origins of Wedding Traditions Wedding traditions originate from all across the world. Throughout history, cultures, married couples and their families have created their own traditions. Some of these traditions have faded with the passing of time, but many traditions have continued on for generations... read more New Year Cards Every year, we promise ourselves that next year we'll start holiday shopping earlier, start cooking Christmas dinner earlier and order our holiday cards earlier! There's just something about getting caught up in the holiday spirit that makes us forget our holiday responsibilities!... read more Trend Alert: Watercolor | Brushstrokes and soft colors are in style! Watercolor is a sweet trend that has been popular for some time now, and I am very excited that it may become a mainstay among invitations and social stationery. While watercolor is a traditional artist's medium, it has recently reemerged in popularity in fashion illustration, interior design and editorial design... read more DIY Halloween Costumes Getting sick of the same old generic Halloween costumes in a bag that you see in the stores? Whether you're in the process of planning a Halloween party or just attending one, make this the year that you start in your own closet...

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Before we even had pens or paints, early humans would scratch drawings into the sides of caves! The wonderful thing about art is that it can be made by anyone, and appreciated by anyone... read more Hosting a Tea Party | It's tea time! May 12012 We have some scrumptious ideas for your next gathering. Tea parties have certainly evolved over the years and are more than just an afternoon ritual. They can be formal or informal, extravagant or tastefully simple, and small or large depending on the type of party you're hosting... read more Custom Stamps | Personalize and share with Stampster! April 12012 Personalized goodies are just my weakness, so I knew that when Invitation Consultants started carrying Stampster Custom Stamps that I would soon be dreaming up various projects I could use the little device for... read more Planning a Spring Wedding | Tips for the season of love! Mar 152012 Spring has always seemed to be the kickoff of wedding season. Winter is finally coming to an end, as flowers and greenery are slowly making their debuts... read more Personalized Notepads | The Perfect Sorority Gift!

Mar 12012 Sorority events generally have two things in common across the board: t-shirts and presents! Four years out and there is still a drawer in my life full of these things that I have no use for now, but just can't bear to part with... read more First Communion | Planning a family celebration Feb 282012 Springtime is the most popular time for First Communion ceremonies and celebrations. Late March is when we first begin seeing orders for communion invitations... read more Lingerie Bridal Showers | Festive, Feminine & All About the Bride Feb 142012 If you are looking for an imaginative and unique way to shower a bride-to-be, we delightfully recommend a Lingerie Bridal Shower... read more The Forecast Calls for a Shower | How to Throw the Perfect Weather Themed Baby Shower! Feb 92012 Weather themed baby showers remain ever-popular for mommy's-to-be of bouncing baby boys and girls! The theme is a simple and sweet play on the concept of a baby 'shower' and can be easily executed through adorable details... read more What to expect from Mardi Gras | Let the good times roll!

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read more Couples Wedding Showers | Celebrating a Perfect Pair! Jan2012 In the past, bridal showers had been considered a women-only event; however more and more grooms are taking part in this festive occasion. The bridal shower typically takes place following the engagement party and should be hosted by someone in the bridal party or close relative... read more Family Update Cards | Letting them know how you've been, in style! Dec2011 The days of lengthy, essay-like Christmas letters are over! Sure, Aunt Sally is definitely interested in all of the monuments you saw on your family vacation and Cousin Jack loves hearing about little Molly's spring dance recital, but now there is a more stylish way to share these memories with loved ones... read more Corporate Holiday Parties | Keeping the mood cheery and the costs down! Dec2011 When it comes to corporate holiday parties, there are a few different approaches to take. The important thing to remember is why you're having the party in the first place. It's a time to show your employees your appreciation for all the hard work they have put in throughout the year and remind them how much they mean to your company...

read more Planning your Holiday Cocktail Party | Serving up Appetizing Aperitifs this Holiday Season! Dec2011 Every year the holiday season seems to sneak up on us. One minute it's October and you're putting the finishing touches on your Halloween costume - and all of a sudden it's time for your annual holiday soiree!... read more Not Your Grandmas' Retirement Party | Fun Ideas To Get The Party Started After Retirement Aug2010 Do you have a friend, relative, boss or co-worker that is nearing retirement? Retiring is such a great accomplishment that is definitely worthy of a celebration. Now that the guest of honor is retired, they can really plan to go out and do all of the things they enjoy without anything holding them back... read more 5 Destination Weddings | Ideas You May Not Have Already Considered Jul2010 A lot of people dream of their wedding day starting when they are little girls playing dress up with their friends. A common thread to all wedding day dreams is a wonderful groom, your family and friends, the perfect dress and an amazing location... read more RSVP-ing | How to Get Guests to RSVP to Your Wedding Jul2010 Having guests reply to your wedding seems simple enough.

Mail out your invitation, include your postage-paid RSVP card, sit back and wait. Right? Wrong... read more Daddy Baby Shower | Because Parenthood is Generally a Two Parent Deal Jun2010 There has been a growing trend over the past few years where family & friends are beginning to acknowledge an expecting “father” with his own version of a Baby Shower. And why not? We don’t want to send to the impending daddy a message that only the mother deserves this celebration... read more Vegetarians' and Meat Lovers' BBQ | How Can Vegetarians and Meat Lovers Have a BBQ Together? Jun2010 Well, summer is in full swing and you know what that means...grilling! I know for me, I look forward to grilling all year; but for others this may not be the case. Vegetarians and Vegans often get the short end of the stick when it comes to eating BBQ. A typical BBQ contains hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken and other meat-filled favorites... read more Kids' Pool Parties | Fabulous ideas for your Summer afternoon events! Jun2010 Summer is the perfect time for fun and spending your lazy days with family and friends.

Relaxing by the pool is practically a state pastime here in Florida, and swimming is a great way to escape the summer heat... read more Low-Key Bachelorette Parties | Have a Relaxing and Enjoyable Send-Off into Married Life May2010 Lately, I've been hearing a lot about bachelorette parties from co-workers of mine. Whether they are to be a guest at one, planning one, or the proud honoree, they're quite excited for the fun that is sure to await them. Now we all have an idea of what a bachelorette party entails whether we've seen it on tv, attended one, or were just... read more How to Have a Victorious Valentine's Day | Ideas to Leave You Feeling Loved! Feb2010 Valentine's Day '10 is rapidly approaching, and some of us may be eagerly looking forward to celebrating love with flowers, candy and maybe a little romance. Unfortunately for the lonely hearts club, this day might not be so uplifting. Whatever you're current relationship status is, don't frown! There are tons of ways to have fun on Valentine's Day, single or spoken for...

read more Preston Bailey Wedding Invitations | Let Color Inspire Your Wedding Story Jan2010 We are on cloud nine at Invitation Consultants and it's all due to the fabulous new wedding invitations created and inspired by Preston Bailey! An internationally renowned event designer who has crafted beautiful events for so many A-list clients, Preston Bailey takes ordinary to extraordinary with his sumptuous and theatrical "art installations... read more Themed Birthday Parties for Children | Find Their Style Jan2010 It's a new year and time for new ages! Kids have always loved turning a new age and welcomed the idea of getting older. They love holding their fingers up and proudly proclaiming their age aloud. My niece, Avery will be turning three this year, and although she's not quite old enough to be choosing party themes, we definitely know what she likes... monkeys!... read more The Top 15 Carnivals Around The World - KreweCentral The Top 15 Carnivals Around The World Carnival is an annual Christian festival and this festival is celebrated in many countries of the world. There are many stories about Carnival, which is celebrated around the world and in many different fashions every year.

The world’s largest carnival festival is held in Salvador and Bahia, Brazil. “Carnival” is a festival of colors, which is transformed into costumes, calypso, steel band music, dance and an array of different ethnic food and Caribbean art; which attracts millions of people from around the global. BRAZIL Brazilian Carnival, accurately spelled Carnaval, is an annual festival in Brazil. It is held four days before Ash Wednesday, the day of fasting and repentance that marks the beginning of Lent. Rio de Janeiro is the most famous place for carnival in Brazil. In carnival the different samba schools compete for the first place in elaborate parades that last for hours. In carnival all dancers wear incredible costumes of sequins and feathers. Rio became famous in the 1930′s for their parades, parties, and balls, which become larger and more impressive every year. The parade´s history began in 1928 and used to take different routes through the city before settling on its current path. Carnival parades pass through the enormous Sambodromo, a sort of long stadium.

If you want to join in the samba parade, samba schools are always looking for extra performers to be part of the show. ENGLAND Notting Hill Carnival is an annual occasion of England, which takes place on the streets of Notting Hill, London in August every year, for two days, since 1965. In England carnival has attracted many people in the past, making it the second largest street event in the world. Notting Hill Carnival came in England from Trinidad, where the first Caribbean carnival was held in 1833. Before this date, black slaves had been forbidden by law to take part in their master’s European Easter carnivals, or even to gather on the streets after nightfall. First time in England Rhaune Laslett decided to invite the steelband to take part in a street festival in Notting Hill. This was the first event that steelband music was played on any streets in England. Rhaune Laslett’s idea of inviting the steelband to take part in the festival was appealing to the vast popular of West Indians in the area who felt alienated from the community celebration.

ITALY Carnival is the big winter festival that is celebrated in all parts of the country with parades, masquerade balls, entertainment, and parties. Carnevale of Italy, just like Carnivals in the UK, US and in other parts of the world, is celebrated in Italy forty days before Easter and a final party before Ash Wednesday. Carnevale is the biggest festival of ITALY. Events often last for two to three weeks before the actual carnival day. Many Italian towns celebrate Carnevale festival the weekend before the actual carnival date, which is on Shrove Tuesday. NETHERLANDS In Holland carnival is celebrated just before Ash Wednesday (seven weeks before Easter). In carnival excitement reaches its peak and a large part of Netherlands goes mad. In carnival many Dutch towns hold parades consisting of strange, grotesque, papier-mâché figures on floats and people dress up in outrageous outfits. Brass bands blast out oomph music as the usually staid citizens suddenly dance the conga together through the streets. A huge quantity of beer disappears down thirsty throats. Many radio and TV channel devote hours to popular Carnival songs whose lyrics are at best earthy, at worst obscene.

The main Carnival provinces are Limburg and south Brabant, both near the Belgian border, with Maastricht generally regarded as top Carnival town. In these towns, which do not hold parades, Carnival celebrations take place indoors in pubs and other venues. Christians in Holland adopted Carnival as the last chance to eat, drink and be merry prior to the forty days fasting before Easter. Holland people also gave it its modern name Carnival, connected with ‘carne’, or meat, unsurprisingly enough. SPAIN Carnival event is celebrated all over Spain and Portugal. Carnival is the most respectful, rebellious festivals. Probably ‘carnival’ words come from the Medieval Latin words Carnelevarium, meaning to take away or remove meat. Carnival festival’s first day season varies from country to country. Carnival festival is celebrated before the 40 days of Lent. Spain carnival is a time for feast, fun n frolic. In carnival festival the spirit of joy shoots up and music, dance, food, family and friends form the core of celebration. Carnival festival in Spain is celebrated nationwide though the most raucous festivities such as: the Canary Islands, Cadiz and Sitges.

While each town of Spain has its own unique flavor of celebration. SLOVENIA In Slovenia, their many colorful carnival customs with more than a hundred different recognized mask styles. In Slovenia carnival all people have many masks of different styles on their face. This is also the country’s most celebrated mask festival and there are rewards for the most creative and beautiful. The Carnival season begins with the New Year, but official events organized by City open two weekends before Shrove Tuesday, During the Carnival evenings the town lights up, with art and theatre performances taking place throughout the streets, squares and special Carnival tents. Carnival Tuesday assures a return to normalcy with a burial ceremony for the Kurentovanje at noon. In Slovenia carnival, they wear masks, which are luxuriously decorated. CROATIA The Croatia Carnival festival is one of the world’s largest carnivals and just recently celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2008. The first Croatia carnival was held in 1982 and only had three performers who, since that time, have attended all the carnivals that followed.

These three groups were Lako Cemo, Pehinarski Festari and Halubajski Zvoncari and they participate every year in Croatia carnival. Every year at the manifestations, the mayor gives a fake key to the city to the maestro so that during Croatia carnival festival, he is then considered the mayor, although this is pretend. In Croatia carnival they also elect a carnival queen and have a ball each year. All participants of the Croatia carnival festival wear facemasks and cars are made to look like they were very old. The main carnival festival and all of the typical events are usually organized in front of the City Hall, and is held four days before Ash Wednesday every year. TRINIDAD & TOBAGO The annual festival of Carnival now takes place all across the Caribbean, but it originally it first took place on the island of Trinidad & Tobago. Every year just before Ash Wednesday, carnival festival fills the streets where vacationers and locals mingle to watch parades and celebrate carnival. All people wear brightly colored costumes covered in sequins and feathers and spend their days dancing and partying in the streets. The original Carnival party was only for the masses. The island’s upper class would watch, but not contribute in the festival.

Trinidad has a great history of music which is shown in the Trinidad and Tobago carnival. They use drums and five-foot sticks of bamboo to create a bass drum effect, while foot-long pieces are being struck together by hand to create a counterpoint, called a foulé. But steel band music replaced the tambour-bamboo style, and has become so popular that it is very popular outside of Carnival as well. CANADA Quebec Winter Carnival is an outburst of fun, food and entertainment in the midst of the cities cold winter days. This carnival is celebrated in the first part of February. It is a fun way for the Quebecers to outwit the harshness of winter, transforming the city into one massive outdoor party. Quebec Winter Carnival is the largest winter celebration in the world and the third largest carnival after Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans. Brightly lit night parades are the most colorful part of the Quebec Winter Carnival. Every year many viewers bundle up and line the snowy streets of the city. Carnival parades feature fantastic floats, marching bands and many clowns. Even though it is freezing cold – about six degrees below zero – a band of young ladies is marching by dressed up in kilts.

Canoe race is a famous Quebec tradition since the first Carnival. INDIA The word ‘Carnival’ is made from two Latin words – ‘Carne’, meaning meat, and ‘Vale’, means ‘good-bye’. Carnival in Goa celebrates non-stop three days. Carnival festival is festival of colors, song and music, providing a healthy entertainment for all, young and old. It is possible that the present-day concept of a carnival emerged from this parade. The Carnival in Goa is an important part of the Portuguese heritage of the state. Carnival is an occasion when people enjoy in rich food at lavish feasts, and convents distributed cakes and pastries. Even though Carnival celebration lasts only for three days, the preparations for the festival take days, and build up a frenetic pitch by the eve of the carnival. In Goa carnival, A King of Chaos, called King “Momo”, is elected, after which begins a weeklong spurt of revelry – presided over by King Momo. This is the most important part of carnival when red-and-black dance are held by the Clube National in Panaji on the final day. COLUMBIA Barranquilla carnival is the big event in Colombia.

Barranquilla carnival is being featured by beautiful Caribbean women of the coast of Barranquilla. Carnival is celebrated 40 days before Easter and climaxes with 3 days (Saturday, Sunday and Monday) of parades, parties, music and dancing. Barranquilla’s Carnival is a carnival with tradition that dates back to the 19th century. During the carnivals, the city of Barranquilla’s regular activities are paralyzed because the city gets busy with street dances, musical and masquerade parades. Barranquilla’s Carnival is second in size to Rio’s, but is far less commercialized. In Barranquilla Carnival you can find some interesting dances like the Spanish paloteo, African congo, etc. There many styles of Colombian music that are performed; most prominently cumbia, and instruments that include drums and wind ensembles. UNESCO, proclaimed the Carnival of Barranquilla in November of 2003, as one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, during Olga Lucia. GERMANY In Germany Carnival called Karneval, Fastnacht, Fassenacht, or Fasnet.

It depends on the region where the carnival is celebrated. Roots of this carnival are in the spring celebrations of pre-Christian times, when people wore masks to scare away winter spirits and welcome the rebirth of nature with singing and dancing. The Thursday before Ash Wednesday is known as “women’s Carnival” in some regions of Germany. Each city and town of Germany has its own Carnival traditions, but in Southwest Germany, the Swabian-Alemannic Carnival is considerably different from the Rhineland version. In Swabian-Alemannic carnival only those who have lived in the city for more than 15 years can take part. This is the government’s rule in southwest Germany. The masks and the costumes also have to conform to historical precedents – unlike at the carnival celebrations in Cologne or Mainz. SWITZERLAND In the carnival season, participants let their hair down and enjoy life to the full. Masks and costumes help people to take on a new identity while they parade through the streets, often playing musical instruments. The carnival starts on the Monday after Ash Wednesday, at 4 am precisely. Switzerland’s biggest and best-known carnivals are held in Basel and Lucerne.

Fasnacht in Basel is one of the country’s best-known and most profligate traditions. When the carnival gets underway in the early hours of the morning the streets of this northern Swiss city come to life with the sound of drumming, flute-playing and marching by masked and costumed figures. JAMAICA Jamaica Carnival is celebrated in Easter time at the centers of Kingston, Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, and includes extravagantly costumed groups which parade and dance in the streets. Soca parties, reggae and calypso bands and a children’s parade are included as well as performers from Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago and anywhere else from the Caribbean. Carnival was introduced to Jamaica for the first time in 1990 and quickly took root on this fun-loving island to become one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the year. This is one of the biggest events in Jamaica. The fun and excitement are not limited to Kingston, although this is where the grand Road Parade and many of the main events take place. BELGIUM In Belgian many towns celebrate Carnival festival, usually with costume parades, partying and fireworks. The parades of the Carnival of Binche start over three days before Lent.

In this parade the most important participants are the Gilles, who go out in their traditional costumes on Mardi Gras and throw blood oranges to the crowd. Carnival of Binche is approved by UNESCO as a Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Copyrighted by SessionMagazine.com 22 Tips for Mardi Gras Beginners Return to Content 22 Tips for Mardi Gras Beginners By Jamie Centner on February 13, 2014 in Babies , Child Safety , In & Around Nola , Parenting , School Years , Things To Do , Toddlers Moving to New Orleans took me by surprise in many ways. One of the biggest surprises was Mardi Gras. Before I moved here, I thought that there was one parade on Fat Tuesday and that it took place on Bourbon Street. I never could have imagined seeing children at the parades, and I was convinced that you had to expose your body to receive beads of any sort. I couldn’t have been more wrong. For those of you who may be new to our city and laboring under some of the same misconceptions that I was, this post is for you!

I’ve compiled 22 tips to help you navigate the Mardi Gras season like a pro! Getting Prepared for Mardi Gras 1. Take some time to research the history of Mardi Gras . You’ll find that many of the things you’ll see and experience are derived from centuries old traditions. Learn about the Flambeaux, who led the way of Rex at the City’s first Mardi Gras parade in 1718 and haven’t missed a Mardi Gras since. Discover the Mardi Gras Indians, how they came to be and what they mean to the community. And those plastic coins you’ll see people swooning over? They’re known as doubloons, each unique to their particular Krewe, and for many, they’re the most coveted “throw” around. 2. Also, be sure to learn a little bit about the Krewe you’re going to see. Each has a unique history, every parade is different, and many have a “signature” throw that is considered good luck to receive.

If you’re well informed you won’t be confused as to why you just caught a toilet plunger or a roll of toilet paper off of a Mardi Gras float, and you certainly won’t give that coconut away. Going To A Parade 3. Consider planning your parade experience in advance. There are multiple parade routes. The main ones are Uptown and, to a lesser degree, Metairie, but Mid-City, Slidell, Chalmette and many other smaller towns have their own parades, too. Figure out where you want to watch and how far down the route you’ll be. Spots toward the middle or end of the route won’t see a float until an hour or two after the parade starts to roll, so plan accordingly. To stay on top of where your parade is located in real time, you can download an app (we love WDSU Parade Tracker ) using state of the art GPS technology that allows you to pinpoint exactly where the lead float is. Another amazing resource is the Arthur Hardy’s Parade Guide . 4.

When it comes time to arrive, you can find schools, centers or businesses who will open their facilities and parking lots for a fee, which can be a great way to ensure shelter in the event of inclement weather, restrooms with running water and a close/safe place to park your car. (Trust me, the city’s Port-O-Potties are not fun to navigate with little ones. We are actually putting off potty training until after Mardi Gras! HA!) The $10 entrance fee for a potty band at a Church or school is well worth it! 5. Just in case, pack lots of sanitizer, WetOnes and bring your own toilet paper! You’re welcome! 6. Picking a location to watch the parade is crucial. If you have children , you do not want to plan to watch a night time parade in the CBD or even Lower Garden District. They will not reach you until well after bedtime. For us, we like to stand on Napoleon around St. Charles. It’s very family friendly and you’ll be on your way home before the start of the parade reaches the CBD. That being said, it’s still going to be a very long night.

The later it gets the more people have to drink and the more inappropriate the environment becomes for children. Some think it’s best to stick with daytime parades if you have very young children. 7. Particularly with the larger parades (basically anything from the Saturday before Fat Tuesday onward), space is at a premium, and many will camp out overnight to stake out the perfect spot. Be courteous of other parade goers if you’re planning to camp out. Only take the space you need. This year, your ladders need to be six feet back and you can’t chain them together (thank God). Don’t be offended by people walking on your tarp. Space is limited (and it is public property after all), and nobody means any disrespect. It’s just the nature of the beast. 8. Parades do have a scheduled start time, but tractors break down, things get behind schedule and often, they’re late. Enjoy the time with your family, and make sure you’re in a position to do so. Bring a football, a well stocked cooler and take advantage of your time together. When planning food for the day, a bucket of Popeye’s , a bag of Zapps and a King Cake is all you need! 9.

Once the parades start rolling by, be sure to pay attention to the floats, not just the riders throwing loot from them. Each parade has a theme that is kept secret until they roll and each float is a piece of the theme. The parade tells a story as they roll by. Some are silly, some are satire and some will warm your heart. Unexpected Eccentricities 10. You may think that you’re getting the hang of things come Nyx Wednesday and Muses Thursday , but starting with Endymion Saturday , all the parades are on steroids. People camp out immediately after clean up on Friday night. Space will be beyond limited and if you didn’t camp out, be prepared to travel light because you’re going to be squeezing in somewhere. Once the weekend before Fat Tuesday hits, it’s a day long experience, not a per parade experience. 11. This is New Orleans, so don’t be shocked when you see small children propped atop tall ladders, coolers stocked well with both juice boxes and beer and complete strangers meeting in the streets discussing where they went to high school. 12. If you’re looking to join the locals in placing your kids in a ladder, you can buy the kit at most local hardware stores.

To really look like a seasoned Mardi Gras veteran, spend some time with your family painting your ladder and adding little tweaks to it to make it unique to you! Also, do not leave the ladder unattended. If you place your children on the ladder, you’ll need a hefty adult to stand on the ladder to try to anchor it and keep the kids safe(r). 13. Don’t expect to be able to leave the parade early if you’ve parked on the route. Consider yourself locked in once you arrive. If you need to leave early, park blocks away and consider the parade route when trying to get home, as you will not be able to drive across the route at any point. 14. Clever posters made especially for each parade can significantly help your chances of catching the “good’ throws. 15. Feel free to dress as crazy as you like. Everything from Mardi Gras colors to full on costumes are status-quo. For Your Comfort and Safety 16. Protect your children from the beads. Most of the riders try their best to throw gently when they see children, but stray beads do come and when they hit, it hurts! Be vigilant! Staying towards the back is not a safety zone.

The male riders especially like to test their throwing abilities. The back can sometimes be even more dangerous. 17. Wagons are a necessity. They provide a welcome place for the kids to rest, store beads and drag sleepy kids back to the car. I also enjoy a hefty jogging stroller because you can turn it around if your baby is asleep and it provides a secure place where your he or she won’t get hit by errant throws. 18. If you must cross the street in the middle of the parade, be sure that you don’t cross in the middle of a marching band. This is for your own safety. They’re accompanied by parents performing a crowd control function and they won’t hesitate to physically grab you and throw you out of the way if necessary. Beyond that, disrupting their path is disrespectful to the band members, who march over 6 miles in each parade while playing music. Most of the bands participate in multiple parades too. Give the kids the respect of enjoying their efforts and not cutting across them. 19. At the end of the season you can donate your beads to ARCGNO or St. Michael’s Special School and all those beads you worked to snag will go towards a good cause. 20.

It’s completely acceptable to drop your trash on the ground if there isn’t a trash can near or if the one by you is completely overflowing. You’ll see street sweepers and an impressive show of man-power out on the route literally minutes after the parade ends and they’ll take care of whatever you leave behind. 21. Once the parade is finished, there will still be lots of loot on the street. Don’t pick it up! It’s bad luck. (In that same vein, many locals won’t touch beads that land on the ground for any length of time…there is no “five second rule” with respect to throws). 22. Finally, and most importantly, you can find some of the New Orleans Moms Blog Contributors riding this year! Give us a shout out! I’m riding on Nyx (Float 9/Sidewalk Side), Megan will be on Nyx (Float 17), Angelina will be riding Cleopatra (Float 22/Driver’s Side) and Jennifer will be riding in Muses (Float 17/ Driver’s Side/ Bottom). We look forward to seeing you on the route! Old pros and locals … anything to add? You May Also Like ::

Question: In which month does Rio’s Mardi Gras nearly always take place?
Answer: February