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In the heart of New Orleans, the vibrant countdown to Mardi Gras commences this Saturday, heralding the initiation of Carnival season. The city is set ablaze with costumed revelers, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of a brass band, as they embark on a nighttime streetcar ride down the historic St. Charles Avenue. Concurrently, a walking club in the French Quarter will partake in its annual procession, paying homage to Joan of Arc.
Carnival’s Spiritual Roots
While Mardi Gras is a secular celebration, its roots are deeply intertwined with Christian and Roman Catholic traditions. The season commences on January 6, the 12th day after Christmas, and culminates in the extravagant festivities of Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday. This final day of indulgence precedes Ash Wednesday and the onset of fasting associated with Lent.
New Orleans stands as the epicenter of Carnival celebrations in the United States, hosting a diverse array of events, from street parties and elegant balls to parades ranging from local walking clubs to elaborate high-tech processions featuring massive floats adorned with flashing lights and colossal animated figures. While New Orleans boasts the most renowned Carnival celebrations, other communities across Louisiana and the Gulf Coast also partake in the revelry, with Mobile, Alabama, laying claim to the nation’s oldest Mardi Gras observances.
Festivities Unveiled
The inaugural events on Saturday include the traditional streetcar ride organized by the Phunny Phorty Phellows. This masked and costumed group embarks on a journey aboard a New Orleans streetcar, weaving through the Carrollton neighborhood before gracing St. Charles Avenue. The event, like much of Carnival, has evolved over time, with the current iteration originating in 1981 as a revival of a satirical Carnival krewe dating back to 1878.
In the French Quarter, the Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc marks the birthday of the French heroine with its yearly parade, passing by a golden statue of Joan of Arc. The parade, framed as a tribute to Joan of Arc, concludes with a ceremony symbolizing the end of the Christmas season and the onset of Carnival.
Post-COVID Revival for Tourism
Beyond its cultural significance, Mardi Gras is a vital economic engine for New Orleans. The tourism-dependent city faced substantial economic challenges in 2021 when parades and festivities were curtailed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Mark Romig of tourism agency New Orleans & Co. highlights a robust rebound in tourism, characterizing the return as “very dramatic.” Optimism abounds for Carnival tourism numbers this year, despite the relatively brief season culminating on February 13.
Sweet Traditions and Crime Concerns
As Carnival officially commences, participants in the Joan of Arc parade will mark the occasion with a ceremony featuring the iconic king cake—a sweet delicacy adorned with purple, green, and gold sugar or icing, symbolizing the festive spirit of the season.
While anticipation for the celebrations runs high, concerns linger about crime, prompting adjustments to parade routes in 2022. However, in 2023, the restoration of routes, coupled with additional law enforcement support, aims to ensure a safe and enjoyable Carnival experience for locals and visitors alike.
