Mardi Gras is back after being canceled last year because of the COVID pandemic. With nearly perfect weather throughout the Mardi Gras calendar and suppressed feelings from the loss of Mardi Gras last year - this city is ready to party!
After riding as Grand Marshall in the Krewe of Madhatters last weekend and the historic Krewe of Mid City yesterday, I have witnessed wild excitement pouring out of the crowds along the parade routes. There is no doubt that there is unprecedented energy coming from the crowds of Mardi Gras 2022.
The origins of Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras is a celebration of excess and decadence on the day before the sacrificial time of Lent begins. Mardi Gras was a time to celebrate life with debauchery before making the sacrifices that are part of Lent.
The origin of Mardi Gras goes back to medieval Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries, but the celebration in the new world began in Mobile, Alabama in 1704 and lasted until 1709.
Mardi Gras in New Orleans began not with parades, but with upscale balls for the upper class of society. The first known celebration of Mardi Gras as we know it today dates back to 1781 when groups and organizations got together to celebrate.
Why Mardi Gras is important this year
After a year without Mardi Gras, Mardi Gras 2022 is important to the soul of New Orleans, and other cities that have Mardi Gras celebrations. With the pandemic and in New Orleans with a crime wave changing attitudes, this Mardi Gras has added significance.
The loss of Mardi Gras last year has only made our city better appreciate what this celebration means to the spirit of New Orleans. Often it is through the loss of something that we really learn to appreciate all that is expected and normal. Following the pandemic we are seeking anything that reminds us of normal, and Mardi Gras is a big part of our normal.
At a time when the news is dividing more than ever, let’s take time to notice what Mardi Gras means to us. It means people coming together for the sole purpose of having a blast. Division over race and politics gives way to a uniting over just escaping reality for a huge party.
Long before wearing masks in our society meant protection from COVID-19, masks were a significant part of Mardi Gras. Mask wearing is rich with historical origins but one of the things that wearing a mask did for the citizens of New Orleans was hiding the identity of the different classes. Society was divided by class and different classes or nationalities did not coexist as it does today.
By wearing masks on Mardi Gras, the classes were not easily identified and everyone came together as one. As you celebrate Mardi Gras 2022, take note of the coming together of what has been a deeply divided society, and let’s try to take that message with us beyond the Mardi Gras celebration.