Mardi Gras in Louisiana

The pig was mostly demolished by the time we
arrived on Sunday.

There was a big table where outfits were being
sewed and glued. Bags of accessories were
around and some of the ladies enjoyed dressing
us up! And Scott has a silly streak.

Many of the guests were VERY costumed!

This looks pretty strange here but I took the
sequined top and put it over a purple (a
major color for Mardi Gras) top and wore it
with beads and black pants to several 
events.

One end of the party which was at Mark's home

Some of the Pig Roast Crowd poses for a shot.

This neighborhood group had a sign that was very
 elaborate with lots of fringe,
this year's signature addition to every outfit. 

 

But not in New Orleans! We were in the Lafayette area for almost a week and it was Mardi Gras for part of the time. We would have missed it altogether but were saved by our old friend Barney Ussher, now known an Bernard. At our Christmas party our friend Decklin told us that Bernard had married again and was living there. We hadn't seen him for 40 years but when we contacted him, he was delighted that we were coming and persuaded us to come several days earlier so that we could party. And we did!!!

It's easy to meet people in Mamou and maybe
especially at Mardi Gras. And certainly at 
Fred's Lounge!

These four photos are all at Fred's Lounge.

The band was great - Zydeco or Cajun but
all good.

Our first event was a Pig Roast at Bernard and Rubia's good friend Mark's home. There was wonderfully dressed up crowd as you can see from my photos. And they worked on getting us into the spirit of Mardi Gras. Various bling was donated for the event to us. The roast pig was delicious and we met so many fun people.

Our next day was choreographed by our hosts and we danced to the tunes. We spent the morning in Mamou, a small town with a heart and Fred's . They are normally only open all day Saturdays but for Mardi Gras, they open Monday as well, from 9 AM to 5 PM. And the place was hopping at 11 when we arrived and we made new friends immediately. Dancing to Zydeco or Cajun is similar to jitterbug but a bouncier two step. And everyone dances all day and night! There were several food trucks for lunch - boudin, sausage/beans/rice and Cajun tacos for us. We brought some of it back along with some amazing crawfish bisque that we enjoyed the next day. 

These fellows were making boudin, the one on
the left was using his hands to mix up the stuffing,
a blend of pork mixed with onions, peppers,
seasoning and cooked rice. We're at Lakeview now.

Andouille sausages being smoked and grilled.

The crowd gathered around the chickens for the Chicken Drop - lots of money on the line for shit.

This is the barn venue at Lakeview, or a part of it. 

Then we were off to our next stop - Lakeview RV Resort. They have a big event barn with more live music, dancing and a Charcuterie. We were too early and already full for this meal but enjoyed watching the men making boudin and smoking sausages and pork of al types. There was a lively crowd around the Chicken Drop arena. People bet on which square the first chicken will poop!! Really!

Ren and Heather at the Whirlybird gallery

Bernard and Rubia on the dance floor

And the day wasn't over. We had a few hours back at our RV to rest and change for the evening. Bernard wangled tickets for us to the Lundi Gras at the Whirlybird.  This is a big compound with an Airbnb, B&B, a art gallery and studio, and an event space - another barn look alike. "Knock 3 times and whisper low", we were sent by Bernard! We arrived early as recommended before the music began and at first were worried we were in the right place. It seemed dark and not many cars were parked. But a lamp lighted path led us behind the main house and we met the owners, Jim & Christie greeting people. They suggested we tour the gallery and we met the artist if residence there, Ren, who was giving a class in Tibetan flag making! Looked like fun. Scott bought a wonderful blue shirt with embroidered sunflowers that she made. Then we moved into the big barn and the band was already jamming with lots of dancers. We managed to get one seat and later added a second. We took turns resting with Bernard and Rubia. 

It was hard to get photos that night at the Whirlybird but it was an amazing place and evening.

The next day we had our schedule mapped out for us. We met Bernard and Rubia at Iota and although it's a small town, it's a big celebration. Most of the main street was cordoned off with two stages and tons of food and other vendors. We sat next to the main stage (we brought chairs) in the sun and watched the band, dancers and all the crowd. This was a family event and at around 1:30 the kids from the community took the stage. They are fully costumed as you can see from the photos and parade and dance around while gathering the coins that the audience throws. Its a hoot and everyone had fun. 

We were supposed to go on from here to D.I.'s Restaurant for more music and dancing into the night but we begged off. Exhaustion had set in. And we were seeing Bernard and Rubia again on Thursday so we bade farewell to Mardi Gras...for this year. 

The highlight of the time in Iota was the children's
parade.

The costume were all different and elaborate!

After the march there was a scramble for the tossed
coins.

Often they just stood against the edge of the stage
and pointed at their hand. The money was collected
by adults and went to some charity.

Sometimes the masks were a little frightening!

There was some dancing as well. You can see the
fringe here which ornamented most costumes as
it was a theme for this year.

Here's a section of the crowd at Iota.

A view from the stage

Bernard and Rubia's masks on!