Today is Fat Tuesday or in French, Mardi Gras. Historically it is the final day before Lend begins so people would eat all of the things they would likely be giving up for Lent. So lots of butter, lard, meat and eggs. Over time the day evolved into a full blown carnival season with parades, feasts and lots of partying. This is especially true in New Orleans.
New Orleans is one of my favorite cities. And I've actually been there for Mardi Gras a couple of times. I know the French Quarter is touristy and the locals generally avoid it, but I still love it. I love the parades and the beads and the atmosphere. I love that it feels haunted. I've stayed at several hotels there that were supposed to be haunted but I never saw any ghosts. I even toured one of their famous cemeteries but still no ghosts.
But then again I'm not sure you would be able to recognize a ghost in the French Quarter if you saw it. Most people there are in a constant altered state, especially during Mardi Gras.
And although I likely won't ever be in New Orleans for Mardi Gras again (it's someplace you should visit when you are young), I am there in spirit.
Laissez les bons temps rouler
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