Mom's turn: Mao's Mardi Gras

We introduced Mao to our Mardi-Gras traditions by taking her to a Baton Rouge parade, the Krewe of Orion, since she was going to be at Disney in Florida for actual mardi-gras. Baton Rouge is definitely not New Orleans…not very exciting, in other words, but I think she got the general idea. During the parades it’s custom to shout out “throw me somethin’ Mister!” and jump up and down with your hands in the air, the idea being the louder you are the more the float riders notice you and “throw you somethin’” – in this case, strings of plastic beads and other items. Christina enjoys wearing a mask.

“Masks have been worn in New Orleans during masked balls for centuries. Masking originated with secretive organizations (carnival crews) and the secret upper class. No one knew who they were and they could stay anonymous. The concept of wearing masks moved to the street where everyone would wear a mask and have a big celebration on the street.”

Unfortunately it was chilly and windy, but they giggled over some of the silly dancers, caught several beads and cups, laughed over one float in particular, and listened to the bands…my favorite was the bagpipe brigade.