Mardi Gras in the Big Easy
It seems like most of the nation goes party-dormant after New Year's Day, but in the South, this is the time of year that we are gearing up for Mardi Gras...
Mardi Gras in the Big Easy
It seems like most of the nation goes party-dormant after New Year's Day, but in the South, this is the time of year that we are gearing up for Mardi Gras!
New Orleans hosts the largest party in the US for 4 weekends in a row. This year, it begins on February 18th and continues through Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras Day, March 1, 2022. Celebrating with themed parades, local live music and authentic southern food, there's a little something for everyone.
In the Metairie area, a suburb West of Nola, there's a kid friendly festival called Family Gras. It's a 3 day party with colorful parades, authentic New Orleans cuisine, a kid's zone and outdoor concerts to bring life to this festive tradition. Most of the float riders are children, their parents and grandparents, so there's plenty of fun for the entire family.
Krewe of Argus began in 1972. A group of businessmen got together and decided it was time for Metairie to have its own Mardi Gras. Today, Krewe of Argus isn’t just for families. They designed a patriotic handicap accessible float for wounded warriors to ride. There’s also a float that hosts decorated soldiers every year.
Watch link to learn more about Krewe of Argus & Family Gras weekend!
3 ways to celebrate Mardi Gras from home
If you can't make it to southern LA for Mardi Gras, there are plenty of ways to celebrate without traveling. Here are some festive ideas to bring Mardi Gras to life at home:
1. Decorate!
Visit your local craft store for beads, feathers, masks, wreaths, mini umbrellas and streamers. Keep your colors to purples, greens and golds for a true MG theme. If you have little ones, help them decorate a wagon and let them throw beads and toys from their very own float!
Mardi Gras Wagon Decorating Kit
Join the Nola residents and decorate your house like a float. Check out Krewe of House Floats on Facebook or kreweofhousefloats.org to register your house. Like typical out-the-box ideas from New Orleanians, this trend was created when parading wasn't safe during the pandemic. It's a great way to keep the Mardi Gras spirit alive, no matter what's happening in the world around us.
House Floats of Stronghold Studios
2. Listen!
Search for Mardi Gras music to listen to or watch a performance on YouTube. A local favorite album is Ultimate Mardi Gras by various artists.
Rebirth Brass Band, Trombone Shorty, The Meters and Preservation Hall Jazz Band all have classic sounds of New Orleans.
Some traditional MG songs are: Big Chief by Professor Longhair, The Second Line by Stop Inc, Mardi Gras in New Orleans by Olympia Brass Band, and Mardi Gras Mambo by The Meters.
Immerse yourself in these themed tunes to experience a bit of Mardi Gras magic.
Ultimate Mardi Gras playlist on Amazon Music
3. Cook!
Mardi Gras is all about fulfilling all 5 senses with authentic southern flare. And it's not complete without Nola cuisine. During carnival time, if you live anywhere close to a parade route, it's a given that your house becomes the hub for food, bathroom breaks and a place to unload your "catches". The menu usually includes chicken and sausage gumbo, fried fish, boiled crawfish, shrimp etouffee, jambalaya, poboys and King Cake.
Waves of Inspo
Recently, charcuterie has been added to the Mardi Gras host menu because it's an easy way to get creative with what's in your fridge and pantry without the complicated recipes.
Like all charcuterie boards, its a fun way to bring everyone together to build and enjoy flavorful themed treats. Check out this impressive carnival-themed board by Mama V on the Snowflakes and Coffeecakes blog.
She included a mix of standard and unique ingredients like: Gouda & Provolone cheese, salami, grapes, Trader Joes Cheddar Asiago cheese sticks, green apple jelly beans, milk chocolate balls, sixlets shimmer candies, Mardi Gras sugar cookies & mini king cakes. We love that she creatively wrapped chocolate stars and coins with purple, green and gold foil.
Snowflakes and Coffeecakes Mardi Gras charcuterie board
Featured Serveware
Want to make a real splash at your Mardi Gras party? Look no further than our XXXL Ocean Party Board! This would be the perfect size to serve poboys, gumbo fixins, and king cake slices on. Choose colors to match your party theme and impress your guests with this one-of-a-kind serveware.
Various wood and wave options available, so if you don't see the option you want, send us a message and we can make it happen!
Board shown is 4ft x 12"x 3/4", Tropical Getaway waves on Maple.
Shop featured boards:
Surf's Up at The RC
We're excited to announce that we've been selected as a vendor at two upcoming markets. If you're in or near the Houston area, be sure to swing by and see us at the Crawfish Festival in the Heights on March 5, 2022
We also have the honor of being a part of the Spring Nutcracker Market at NRG Stadium April 8 - 10, 2022, so be sure to buy your tickets and pick out the best Spring, Mother's Day, Graduation, and Summer gifts of the season.
We'll be featuring some new Spring/Summer offerings, so swim on over and catch them while you can!
Hope to see you there!
**Spring Nutcracker Market Info:
General Admission Dates and Times:
601 Preston St, Houston, TX 77002
Friday, April 8, 2022: 10 AM – 7 PM
Saturday, April 9, 2022: 10 AM – 5 PM
Sunday, April 10, 2022: 10 AM – 5 PM
