New Orleans Mardigras

As early as the 1700s, the French of New Orleans were enjoying balls and parties prior to Lent. However, by the late 1700s, the Spanish had banned the celebrations and they stayed that way until 1823-20 full years after the United States of America purchased the area with the Louisiana Purchase.

By 1827, the masked balls were in full swing and the first historically documented parade took place in the streets of the French Quarter. Mardi Gras always occurs the day before Ash Wednesday, although the exact day varies, depending upon when Easter falls that year. The Carnival season starts on January 6, the Twelfth Night, and lasts through Mardi Gras Tuesday. During this time, there are several traditional dishes to sample. King cakes are probably the most popular food leading up to Mardi Gras. You can purchase these through almost any bakery in the city. Each cake has a tiny plastic doll baked inside. The person who received the doll in their slice of cake not only gets good luck but gets to throw the next King Cake Party or bring the next cake to work. Sounds like an excuse to eat lots of cake to me but at least it is a good excuse.

Although people are generally too busy on Mardi Gras day to do a lot of cooking, there are a few traditional New Orleans dishes that you will want to sample at local restaurants or try to make yourself. These include Creole corn bisque with crab, South Louisiana shrimp Remoulade, Carnival oyster loaf sandwich, crab-stuffed artichoke bottoms, shrimp Creole, jambalaya, red beans and rice, black eyed peas with ham, pralines, Louisiana pecan pralines, and red velvet cake. You may also want to sample a Po-boy, a New Orleans style sandwich made from a large round of bread and unusual insides. Different restaurants offer different versions, many with a Cajun twist.

New Orleans has been free to celebrate Mardi Gras since the 1820s. If you have not been there yet, it is about time you spent some time celebrating with locals. Attend the masked balls (there is a huge free one in Spanish Plaza on Luni Mas-the Monday before Mardi Gras), eat some king cake, and don't forget to attend the parades and trade beads with other revelers.