Mardi Gras

It seems that Mardi Gras takes at least two forms, more or less simultaneously.  One, I'm told, is the beer-drenched, perhaps bawdy celebration favored by the party crowd. I haven't partaken, though it's certainly available. The other is a family affair. Galveston's includes, for example, kids' parades and a Ball for Special People. While there are two whole weekends worth of activities, the centerpiece is parades and beads. Just why it's so much fun to beg fantastically dressed people to throw you beads from an equally fanciful float I'm not sure, but that's what happens, and it is fun! 

It reminds me of Saturnalia, in a way, and Halloween. Adults get permission to wear funny things and decorate their houses and themselves, if they like. Some of the folks below were in the parade; some were just bystanders who knew how to get into the spirit of things.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Everyone, and I mean everyone, wears beads, some just at the parade and some all weekend. Even me. I wasn't very good at begging beads, but I did snag a couple on the fly, and kindly people handed me their extras. Neighborliness seems to be part of the spirit.

I learned from the man standing next to me that the Krewes that organize the parades and create and staff the floats are really social clubs, hosting balls (balls! imagine!) and other events year-around, and he pointed out that most of the members are of an older persuasion (and pretty white, I noticed). He assured me that I'd like it if I joined one. I also learned that Galveston's Mardi Gras is the third largest in the country. Nawluns of course is first, and Mobile second. And in case you want to know, Mobile is pronounced Mo-BEEL. 

But I think my favorite part of the parade was the high school bands. Some were well equipped and uniformed, and some were a little sad in that regard, but either way, those kids know how to strut! And there seemed to be a place for everyone, regardless of appearance (and maybe skill). There was one group of flag girls that must have averaged well over 200 pounds, and there they were in their halter tops and mini shorts, laying down some serious moves. No worries about body image for those young women.

And that, say I, is the Mardi Gras spirit: do your thing, and do it with gusto. Laissez le bontemps roulez!

Have a look:

https://vimeo.com/87401905