There is so much more to Mardi Gras in New Orleans than beads, beer bongs and indecent exposure from the Bourbon St. Balconies. What most people do not realize is that Carnival Time in New Orleans as we know it was originated by various secret societies called “Krewes.” They would compete each year - flaunting their lavish artistry by means of parades, costuming and extravagant masked balls, and have done so since the early 1870’s. A Mardi Gras parade is considered a gift from high society to the local community and it’s visitors during which spectators are dazzled by music, costumes and parades while being adorned by glittering offerings which are flung from the floats by anonymous revelers. 

In short, Mardi Gras originated as a spectacle of visual and sensual extravaganzas. Once the floats have passed the festivities invariably devolve into basic French Quarter debauchery. Since Mardi Gras is the last day before Lent begins, this day of feasting has now been stretched out for two whole weeks leading up and ends promptly at midnight, for at that time it is Ash Wednesday. Anyone still reveling in the streets is subject to arrest. In the late 1990’s, cities across the United States tried to have an official Mardi Gras Day, which just ended up being a nightmare for the police, because without the ancient etiquette imbued for hundreds of years by the refined organizations which inspired the event in the first place, all you are left with is debauchery and indecent exposure!

Size: 37” X 38”
Medium: Oil and tinted house paint on repurposed canvas drop cloth.