MARDI GRAS HOORAH
Gadfly Today Series
We have all heard about their notorious parties. Some of us have even gone to one or a similar event around the country. If you were lucky enough, you might have left with a set of beads or an erotic impression stamped across your mind. Admission only demands a costume or mask as well as a devilish sense of entertainment. Upon entry, you will probably find the weirdest group of folks you may ever encounter. Of course, this has become the notorious legacy of Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans since its inception, on this day: February 27, 1827.
Like most good things, the inception of this debauched holiday arose from the hearts and minds of the city’s youth population. Returning from France, many young adults bristled at New Orleans’ prohibition on public celebration, private balls, and masks. Their time abroad in France engendered an interest and appreciation for these cultural activities. However, these parties and their accompanying costumes had been banned in New Orleans since before the Louisiana Purchase of 1803.
Over time, many in New Orleans got fed up with this policy. They sought to bring back the public celebrations and revelry associated with Mardi Gras. Ignoring local bans on celebrating the holiday, lots of them took to the streets in what would become the all too familiar garb and spirit to hail the start of Mardi Gras on this day in 1827. The party took off from there as well as its place in the cultural legacy of America.
Today, millions of people travel to New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras. Looking down on the town from above, you can see thousands and thousands of people crammed in on every block. Some of the largest events, including parades, regularly draw hundreds of thousands of people excited to get their freak on and more. If that weren’t enough, the holiday brings in hundreds of millions of dollars to the local economy each year.
Today, we may rightfully look back on them as the original founders of the “let’s get weird” philosophy of life. We should honor their methods of shedding conventions with respect to clothing and comportment. While we reenact their bacchanalia every February, we carry their sense of independence and affection for strangeness always, especially those among us who only feel at home in the world – be it in New Orleans or anywhere for that matter – once we put on a costume and embrace a new identity. So, today of all days, try and have a little weird fun.
If you like this, follow me on Bluesky for more musings @chibillyob.bsky.social.