It's beginning to look like Mardi Gras.
We took a walk this afternoon and ran into the Lyon’s Club marching group out for a practice march. The club is a group of guys who get together and parade during Mardi Gras. They have been doing it the same way for 60 years.The Lyon’s are one of only a few marching clubs that are allowed to march on St. Charlies Ave. on Mardi Gras day. They begin Fat Tuesday morning at their club house on Lyons St. and meander throgh uptown stopping at every bar they come across. At some point they end up on St. Charles Ave and travel downtown between the parades of Zulu and Rex. They generally dress in tails and give paper flowers to women who give a kiss in return. It’s a true spectacle that’s unique to the city.
The Lyon’s club and similar clubs are what Mardi Gras is all about. They represent people who have come together to celebrate as they see fit. They create the traditions and customs that are at the very core of this city. We were very happy to run into them.
Mardi Gras Day is Tuesday, Feb. 28., it also happens to be the 6 month annerversary of Hurricane Katrina. Go out, wear a costum, paint your face and celebrate life.
