Fat Tuesday

Join Cajun Chef Ryan covering New Orleans and me in Mobile for this Mardi Gras Series

Fat Tuesday
Mardi Gras Day

"Throw me something Mister!"
This is the day we anticipate, known to many as Shrove Tuesday and the day before Ash Wednesday. The term Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday" referring to the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season. It is also a day to party like there is no other.

Celebrations begin early on Mardi Gras day. Downtown, the long parade organized by the Order of Athena rolls first, followed by the Comic Cowboys, founded in 1884. The evening ends with a spectacular night parade of illuminated floats decorated to a theme chosen by the Order of Myths. Each parade follows a defined route so that viewers can plan attendance along particular streets or balconies.


Some parades are long and circular so that viewers can walk to a second viewing spot and catch more throws, as the floats circle back. It allows more time to see performances as well.

Marshalls for Order of Athena
The Fat Tuesday parade schedule is as follows:

10:30 am Order of Athena Parade
12:30 pm Knights of Revelry Parade
1:00 pm King Felix III Parade
1:30 pm Comic Cowboys Parade
2:00 pm Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association
6:30 pm Order of Myths Parade
Numerous smaller parades and walking clubs also parade around the city.

Scenery for the 2010 Queen's Luncheon
For me, the season began in November. Since then, the company I manage has provided decorations for 42 balls and events related to the Carnival season. We provide stage sets for the opening tableaus of many Mardi Gras organizations. This consists of opera type backdrops, stage legs and moving theatrical parts, 3-dimensional components, stage effects such as smoke, lighting, pyrotechnics and even confetti and balloon drops.

Setting the Queen's Table with china
Tablescapes of props, paper mache themed objects, floral centerpieces, table cloths, place cards, even china and crystal when needed. We have a warehouse full of party props, scenery and all needed for conventions, parties, receptions and yes, Mardi Gras balls. If we don't have it, we contract it out. So, you see, Mardi Gras and Carnival is in my blood. I've been doing this for almost thirty-five years. That is why when Mardi Gras Day or Fat Tuesday finally comes, I am so ready for it. It is the one day when I can relax and enjoy the festivities of the day. My work is done and after today, it's time to move on to another year.

View of the main table and guest's tables
Today is a day I really get to appreciate and enjoy having friends over for lunch, a snack or just having them stop by for a cocktail. Now, I have cooked many things for my guests during the years but my two favorites are always Seafood Gumbo or Red Beans & Rice. Check out these past posts for my recipes. Either one is a favorite with my friends and, well, I never seem to have any one complain of the repetition.




Seafood Gumbo

Red Beans over Rice
I hope you have enjoyed this series on Mardi Gras and I want to thank my good friend Ryan from Cajun Chef Ryan for making this endeavor so interesting. I have enjoyed immensely his articles and recipes while he covered New Orleans. Be sure to check in with him, view today's post about Mardi Gras in New Orleans and tell him how much you enjoyed this series too.

More about this series:

Comments

  1. Happy Mardi Gras! Looks like you're having a ball!

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  2. That looks like so much fun. I wish I was there!! I have learned a lot about Mardi Gras from your blog. Thanks, Drick!

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  3. This has been a great series. Enjoy yourself and relax!

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  4. Hey hey mister, throw me smoething! What a wonderful way to cap this series off Drick! Thank you so much for inviting me to join you in celebrating this amazing tradition that you and I have grown to love.

    Happy Mardi Gras!

    CCR
    =:~)

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  5. How fun! Happy Mardi Gras!

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  6. Happy Mardi Gras!!! Daniel and I have enjoyed reading your series so much, even though we have barely had a chance to say so! Have a blast!

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  7. I am so jealous, party hardy my friend, would love to be there with all of you! Thanks for a wonderful journey of fabulous foods and traditions that have been past along brilliantly!

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  8. So that's what you do! Other than running your own Creole lunch spot, this is the perfect thing!! Happy happy Mardi Gras!

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  9. Enjoyed the Mardi Gras celebrations, posts, and wonderful food you have shared. Have a blast on Fat Tuesday!

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  10. Happy Mardi Gras! I really have to make an effort to go to a Mardi Gras event.

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