Editorial Note: TWH correspondent, Azure West, traveled to New Orleans to capture the vibe amid the restrictions that brought challenges to the traditional celebration of Mardi Gras during the ongoing pandemic. But then was caught in the extreme weather that affected Texas and other parts of the Southwest the release of this article and its accompanying video documentary were delayed. We know the story is a little late, but we are grateful Azure and her family are safe and that many others are on their way to recovery.
NEW ORLEANS – The “Big Easy” took the 2021 year off from Mardi Gras this year due to the ongoing pandemic. Word of the cancellation came down from Mayor Latoya Cantrell’s office in November with mixed reactions from the residents of New Orleans.
The over 300-year-old city had one resident whose idea came to life. The Krewe of House Floats movement began with Megan Joy Boudreaux posted a tweet and starting a Facebook page. Within 48 hours, Megan said, “…I had over a thousand people in the group.”
Megan Joy Boudreaux, known as “Captain B” [courtesy]
Whether it was a “Do It Yourself” initiative or hiring an actual Mardi Gras Artist, the initiative crossed out of the city lines and into other places around the county. Some creations popped up around the globe with ex-patriots taking part in the celebration.
The Krewe of Red Beans member, Caroline Thomas, presented the “Hire a Mardi Gras Artist” plan of action in conjunction with the house floats. Without having floats to build this year, many artists, installation teams, and project managers were left without having a steady form of income.
A goal was put into place. The artist set out to employ as many tradespeople as possible. Her sights set on presenting 40 House Floats.
The website shows there were 24 buildings that were decorated after being picked at random by the donors who contributed to the project’s crowdfunding.
Both the Krewe of House Floats and the Krewe of Red Beans, share a focus on giving back to the community that has been hit hard by the pandemic. Not unlike most of the population around the world, the Culture Bearers of the Crescent City have faced food and housing insecurity.
Fundraising efforts along with community outreach have been a pressing objective for both organizations. These efforts will not end after the Fat Tuesday celebration but will continue to raise funds for those in need.
Boudreaux, or Admiral B as she is called, said during the phone interview that she had raised $20,000 so far. The targeted goal is $100,000. However, there was more than just fundraising that came along with this proposal of lights, flowers, music, décor, and more. “People are just so desperate for….hope,” the House Float captain expressed.
It was this “hope” being displayed on social media starting in December that sparked the idea for a documentary that could capture the complexity of how the city would manage to adjust and whether it could prevail under the current condition.
Krewe What Thou Wilt members; Margo, Josh, Randall, and William spoke about their feelings on missing out on the 2021 Mardi Gras season.
Their Krewe is sponsored by the Ordo Templi Orientis Oasis of Alombrados located in New Orleans. Composed of members of the Thelemic organization, the Krewe has participated in parades with Krewe du Vieux and Krewedelusion. The four members are part of a number of participants that have engineered floats, created costumes, and crafted “throws.”
[courtesy via KWTW Facebook – Please this is a picture from a previous year, not 2021]
The group echoed both their disappointment and their understanding for parades to be at a standstill for 2021. However, they voiced their excitement for the 2022 Mardi Gras season.
West with Jody “Cajun Queen” Boudreaux of Need A Ride NOLA
West reflects on her sentiments regarding New Orleans:
In all my travels over my 40 years, New Orleans quickly became one of the most adored places for me to visit. In June of 2004, my first trek was made with a six hour drive from Houston. Since then, I feel in love with the port city.
In my humble opinion, the melting pot of cultures that has formed a “gumbo” of delicious. A person can delve into a wealth of knowledge from experiencing tours and museums but there is a rich religious history, as well.
Over time, there have been debates as to whether the modern Carnival observances have Pagan origins in end-of-winter celebrations. Roman Saturnalia or the Celtic holiday of Imbolc are some examples to support this debate.
There have been some contentions stating that Church officials trying to shame revelers out of participating in pre-Lenten festivities. Comparing them to the “debaucheries” of early pagan celebrations.
What are the connections between pagan observances and Mardi Gras?
- A faux king is chosen and honored during the celebration.
- Moral and social norms are placed on hold for a period of time.
- The observance of the transitory period takes place between winter and spring.
Celebratory exclamations and slogans are used on both holidays. Like Romans filling the streets with cries of “Io Saturnalia!” during mid-December, “Laissez les bons temps rouler!” or “Let the good times roll,” is heard throughout Louisiana.
The parades of Mardi Gras may have stood still this year, but the spirit lives on in the people of New Orleans. No matter how small or varied the celebration.
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