Stephen Rue, Mr. Big Stuff, Zulu, 2009

On Mardi Gras, local attorney Stephen Rue goes from this:

To this.

Doesn't he look fabulous? Of course, Mr. Rue's journey was not without controversy, but attention is attention. Isn't that right, Mr. Rue?

Kidd Rock, Endymion Grand Marshal 2009

Eating fried chicken.

Look at my 3rd favorite boyfriend on the left, Sidney Torres.

Orpheus Parade Safety

N.O.P.D. Officers Donald Davis, left, and Craig Meyers helped maintain order during the Orpheus parade.

Lyric Jovial's Lovely Face Art, at Orpheus

Live Coverage of Mardi Gras Events, Courtesy WDSU.

http://www.wdsu.com/video/17360129/index.html

Zulu King and Queen, 2009

Congratulations to Tyrone Mathieu and Sheila Barnes Mathieu!

To Zulu: HAPPY 100TH ANNIVERSARY!

The Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club enjoys a rich and beautiful history. The parade is rolling right now (it's Uptown at 9 AM), has riders from every walk of life, and every race.

I'll be posting throughout the day.

Read more about the history of Zulu from their official website:

Happy Mardi Gras!

I have scheduled posts throughout the day, just click on the Mardi Gras label. Please enjoy!

Lundi Gras

Went to Orpheus, then ate at Superior Grill. What'd You do Today?

P.S. I have pics.

The Mardi Gras Baby Dolls - Antoinette K-Doe Helps to Keep Tradition Alive

http://bestofneworleans.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A50876

Rex Parade

Rex is one of the oldest parades, going back to 1872. Read about the history of Rex here.

Congratulations to Thomas Westfeldt, II and Amelie Munro Brown, King and Queen of Rex!

Chocolate Milk - Groove City

One of the featured artists at the Zulu Ball tonight will be New Orleans' own Chocolate Milk. Groove City is one of my personal favorites. Take a listen and tell me what you think.

Mardi Gras Music - Smoke My Peace Pipe (Smoke it Right) - The Wild Magnolias

Rebirth Brass Band - Casanova

Mardi Gras Mambo - The Meters

Hey Pocky Way - the Funky Meters

Enjoy!

Professor Longhair, Big Chief

This is one of my personal favorites. Enjoy some more Mardi Gras Music!

They All Asked for You - The Funky Meters

Enjoy some Mardi Gras music!

Mardi Gras Music - Al Johnson, "Carnival Time"

Mardi Gras Facts - Tradition - Greasing of the Poles

Yes, you read right - pole greasing. You see, at one time Mardi Gras revelers on Bourbon Street were getting so caught up, they were actually climbing the poles all the way up to the balcony. Cheeky, huh!

Well, the Royal Sonesta Hotel started a tradition that's now practiced all along Bourbon Street. Each year, at the start of Mardi Gras, there is a pole-greasing ceremony, where containers of petroleum jelly are brought out on trays. The jelly is then scooped out by costumers and rubbed up and down the pole to ensure separation of the wild people on the ground from the wild people in the balcony. The pole rubbing is very dramatic - glean from that whatever you will, or view it here:



Have you ever experienced Carnival partying from a balcony? How about in the Quarter? What is your favorite Mardi Gras experience?

For those of you who have never experienced Mardi Gras but may be curious, what would you like to know about the holiday? I will answer your questions accurately and to the best of my abilty.