The Mardi Gras Season is upon us. I am sure most people have heard of this fun time of year. If you have never visited any of the hosting cities that participate, I encourage you to try it at least one time in your life. When I talk to people who have never been to a parade, they usually state they would be too afraid. I think there is an idea of what happens but let me put it in perspective for you.
This is what a parade route looks like in the smaller towns and cities. The parades usually go on for a couple of weeks over many different days and nights. The streets are closed off and families gather together. We park our pickup trucks, haul in grills and cooking pots. Everyone brings lawn chairs and we spend the whole day together. You will smell great cooking, eat some wonderful food and visit. If you walk over to strangers, I bet they will offer you something to eat and drink. You will also see your kids playing in the street. How long has it been since you saw that? Footballs are thrown across the roads between people and everyone gets involved. After all of that happens, the floats come and you catch more goodies than you can haul out. I guarantee everyone will sleep great after all of that activity!
So let me tell you what happens in the background while all of the parades are going on. A lot of planning has to be in place to make those parades "Roll". There are many people who pay to join Krewes. These people actually buy all of the items or "throws" that you catch from the floats. There are special rules that they have to follow, costumes that must be worn including masks and they get to attend many different parties. You can see in the pictures that the ladies wear beautiful dresses and the members have to wear their costumes. There is also a Grand Court and young ladies that are announced to society. Another custom is the day of the Tableau or grand ball, the Krewe members ride around town in open top school buses, stop at various gatherings in parking lots, listen to music and have a great time. If you are wondering "Shaggy" is my son's nickname. That is another custom in the Krewes. Everyone has a nickname. He is the one line dancing in the parking lot. Not a shy bone in his body!
This is the logo for our Krewe. We have been participating many seasons and if you come to the parades my husband and many of my relatives will "Throw You Something Mister!" So in honor of the Mardi Gras Season, I have several designs that you can stitch out.
Mardi Gras is also known as Carnival Time. This design would be great to decorate pillows or try it on garments!
If you attend any parade, you will see that everyone gets into the spirit so join them by sewing this Happy Mardi Gras design on your sweatshirts! Here I used variegated thread but you can use Purple Green and gold which are the official Mardi Gras Colors!
Stitch this My First Mardi Gras design to let people know you are brand new to the Mardi Gras celebration! Perfect for children and babies also!
New Orleans and Bourbon street are what everyone thinks about when you mention Mardi Gras. This Bourbon Street Lamppost design would be great on pillows and kitchen towels.
This Fat Tuesday Logos Design is everything you need to say about Mardi Gras all wrapped up in one design! Maybe this has inspired you to attend a parade? If you can't visit, the local news stations will always record them. Look for videos online and have a celebration at home. I hope you have enjoyed this post, share what you have learned and are generous with what you create. Someone will appreciate your hard work! PS. I'll enjoy some gumbo and a piece of King Cake for you!
