Mardi Gras, New Orleans, Louisiana

The beginnings of Mardi Gras in New Orleans are dated to around 1820, when some local youths returned home from a stay in France and organized a pre-Lenten celebration. In time, New Orleans will party like no other place on earth again.

The oldest of the Mardi Gras organizations, the Mystic Krewe of Comus, dates back to 1857. The term, krewe, actually refers to an organization, whose membership is secret, that exists to participate in Mardi Gras.

If you have never been to Mardi Gras, you can't fully grasp the party atmosphere that descends upon the city every February. The parades of Rex and Comus, held on Mardi Gras Day, are the highpoint of the celebration.

We wish the area a speedy recovery, and can see from efforts that they are well on their way to being better than before. For more information, contact the New Orleans Visitor's Bureau.

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