Happy Mardi Gras?

Can I wish you a happy Mardi Gras? That's what tomorrow is and no one does Mardi Gras better or bigger than New Orleans, Louisiana. The party is huge and the city is electric. Some of it is outrageous; downright nasty and vulger. Most of it is wonderful; family fun and cultural tradition. The national media focuses on Bourbon St and that indeed is a large part of Mardi Gras festivities. But there is St. Charles Ave., Metairie, the Northshore, Houma, the Acadiana region; all family friendly locales.

Mardi Gras is a huge economic boost for the New Orleans area. Thousands of tourists come here to enjoy the party. This year, later than most years, brings an influx of young people on spring break. Unfortunately, there is a fair degree of under-age drinking and other indiscretions. But, for the sheer number of people on the streets, Mardi Gras is remarkably event free.

The very genesis of Mardi Gras is religious in nature; influenced by Catholic teaching surrounding Lent. The word Carnival, for many synonomous for Mardi Gras, means a farewell to flesh. This was the final big fling before Catholics begin to abstain from meat, a long held penetential practice of Catholics. The onset of the Mardi Gras season is always January 6th, the most traditional day that the feast of the Epipany was celebrated. The king cake actually is named in honor of the King of Kings and the baby placed in the king cake is a reminder of the child Jesus.

But little of this information will be of great importance to the hundreds of thousands lining the streets of southeast Louisiana tomorrow. I hope that Mardi Gras day will be without incident and a fun family day for those who celebrate it right. And I hope with even more fervor that all will approach Wednesday, Ash Wednesday, and the following days of Lent with a spirit of prayer, fasting and sharing(alms-giving).