The weekend leading up to Fat Tuesday in New Orleans can get a bit crazy and specific for locals. Sure, Mardi Gras is the big event, but why waste the four days leading up to it?
For more than 50 years, the annual Greasing of the Poles at the Royal Sonesta has been considered the event that officially kicks off Mardi Gras weekend.
In its simplest form, the greasing of the poles involves people, poles and Vaseline. Let your mind wander if you like. But to take the simple approach to the spectacle would be missing the point of the spirit of Carnival and Mardi Gras.
The folks at the Royal Sonesta Hotel have never been guilty of being simplistic with this tradition that is unique not only to New Orleans but unique to the French Quarter, the 300 block of Bourbon Street and the Royal Sonesta Hotel itself.
Over the years, the production around the greasing of the poles have included influences of burlesque, jazz, and more. Add a bit of competition around some poles and balconies on Bourbon Street, and you have some content that might just get people to stop scrolling on their social media feeds and watch.
Of course, like so many other things in New Orleans, there’s some history and humor with the greasing of the poles. Click the link above to hear all about it.
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