(Featured image: @410inthe504 via Instagram)
Trading parade floats for epic decorations, New Orleans proves nothing can stop the spirit of carnival.
Mardi Gras is an institutional part of Louisianna culture. Even though the ongoing pandemic has put the renowned parades on hold, its community has proven that there’s always a way to celebrate New Orleans’ most famous fiesta.
In November last year, Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced that the city will be taking a distinct approach to the usually crowded festivities, ensuring that Mardi Gras is “not cancelled, just different.”
The locals are definitely embracing that by swapping parade floats for house floats, elaborately decorating their front yards in every neighborhood around New Orleans.
The creativity showcased has been taking social media by storm, as well as impressing the locals. People are exploring the streets to take pictures, fill the carnival void, or find inspiration during these difficult times. Each house tells a different story, but they are collectively painting the city purple, green, and gold.
Mardi Gras is a religious event that takes place on Shrove Tuesday, falling on February 16th this year. With the city usually pulsating with pride the weeks prior and following, virtual parades are also being arranged. So even though the streets of New Orleans look the part, they will be much quieter.
As we watched every holiday become semi-virtual over the past year, Mardi Gras will be extra special as for the first time ever we’re all invited online! So find some friends, find some beads and send out that link. It’s almost time to party!
