How To Mardi Gras, a guide to Carnival season in Louisiana

The most comprehensive guide to Louisiana's Carnival season: How To Mardi Gras

2012-01-09T09:08:00.001-08:00

The most comprehensive guide to Louisiana's Carnival season: How To Mardi Gras, a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

The illustrated booklet called How To Mardi Gras has

- 36 pages, 36 illustrations,
- this guide's cool for students, adults, anyone who needs a quick study on the seasonal madness.

Order copies from the publisher - $10 each includes shipping - at 318 272 6045.
- Costumes, krewes, music, history, lore: it's all here.

Hey, ya'll: laisser les bon temps rouler!

Don Tubbs sells How To Mardi Gras in Bossier City

2012-01-09T09:06:00.001-08:00

Don Tubbs sells How To Mardi Gras in Bossier City, a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

That's Tubbs Hardware and Cajun Gifts, a major emporium for all things Carnival.

615 Benton Road Bossier City, LA 71111-3752
(318) 746-0311

Blanc et Noir Marching Society established in 2007

2009-01-18T18:15:00.001-08:00

Blanc et Noir 07
Originally uploaded by trudeau

Having established a new krewe in 2007, there has been no activity on this How To Mardi Gras site. But there are still books to be sold and shows to be presented.

Participation in the Fais Do-do by Youree Drive Middle 8th graders, Shreveport, was terrific

2008-02-03T06:02:00.001-08:00

Youree Drive Middle 8th graders, Shreveport: Iko Iko
Originally uploaded by trudeau

This row of Youree Drive Middle students didn't know they were coming to the stage to wield shakers and strike a pose as Iko Iko played. But, as you can see, they made the most of being on stage in front of some 300 of their peers.

Dancing with some 300 Youree Drive Middle 8th graders, Shreveport

2008-02-03T05:57:00.001-08:00

Youree Drive Middle 8th graders, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau

Shreveport 8th graders at Youree Drive Middle were wowed by traditional Bayou State music as they participated in Fais Do-do with Robert Trudeau. In a show that went from cajun to zydeco to New Orleans jazz, the students found themselves able to pick up each style of dancing.

Waynesboro, Mississippi group learning to second line at Ralph & Kacoo's, Bossier City

2008-01-29T00:51:00.001-08:00

Waynesboro, Mississippi group learning to second line at Ralph & Kacoo's, Bossier City
Originally uploaded by trudeau

"Hello. I'm Robert Trudeau and I'm from Clara, Mississippi." Cracked them up.

Enjoyed entertaining some 52 people from Wayne County, Ms, in Jan 08. Ralph & Kacoo's, Bossier City, was an outstanding place to dance these saucy people round the room.

The audience sang along melliflously, danced with aplomb, and laughed at my jokes. They seemed to appreciate the themes of Fais Do-do with Robert Trudeau.

Also, the food was rich and peppery and manager Debbie Fallardeau was terrifically helpful. Find my guide, How To Mardi Gras, on sale in the Ralph & Kacoo's Gift Shop.

Now available on Etsy.com: the most comprehensive guide to Louisiana's Carnival season: How To Mardi Gras

2007-12-25T19:07:00.001-08:00

The most comprehensive guide to Louisiana's Carnival season: How To Mardi Gras
Originally uploaded by trudeau

Please pick up a copy or two of How to Mardi Gras via the charming craft site Etsy.com. You'll find it under seller trudeau11. While ir was printed at a shop, the illustrations and copy are all the work of my hand. Handmade in quite a few ways.

$8 plus 2$ shipping.

The most comprehensive guide to Louisiana's Carnival season: How To Mardi Gras

2007-07-10T12:58:00.001-07:00

The most comprehensive guide to Louisiana's Carnival season: How To Mardi Gras
Originally uploaded by trudeau

36 pages, 36 illustrations, this guide's cool for students, adults, anyone who needs a quick study on the seasonal madness. Order copies from the publisher - $6 each - at 318-861-6809. Costumes, krewes, music, history, lore: it's all here. Hey, ya'll: laisser les bon temps rouler.

And catch us soon, s'il vous plait, on eBay.

Allons danser! cajun waltz during Fais Do-do with Robert Trudeau

2007-06-03T15:28:00.001-07:00

Oilman's Assoc luncheon, East Ridge CC, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau

Fais Do-do: girls just want to have fun

2007-06-03T15:26:00.001-07:00

Oilman's Assoc luncheon, East Ridge CC, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau

Eh, la bas! A Cajun waltz during fais Do-do with Robert Trudeau

2007-06-03T15:25:00.001-07:00

Oilman's Assoc luncheon, East Ridge CC, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau

Eh, toi! A zydeco jig during Fais Do-do with Robert Trudeau

2007-06-03T15:23:00.003-07:00

Oilman's Assoc luncheon, East Ridge CC, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau

Doin the zydeco at a luncheon with Robert Trudeau

2007-06-03T15:23:00.001-07:00

Oilman's Assoc luncheon, East Ridge CC, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau

Oilman's Assoc luncheon, East Ridge CC, Shreveport

2007-06-03T15:21:00.003-07:00

Oilman's Assoc luncheon, East Ridge CC, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau

Oilman's Assoc luncheon, East Ridge CC, Shreveport: Clarence Babineaux

2007-06-03T15:21:00.001-07:00

Oilman's Assoc luncheon, East Ridge CC, Shreveport: Clarence Babineaux
Originally uploaded by trudeau

Oilman's Assoc luncheon, East Ridge CC, Shreveport

2007-06-03T15:20:00.001-07:00

Oilman's Assoc luncheon, East Ridge CC, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau

Oilman's Assoc luncheon, East Ridge CC, Shreveport

2007-06-03T15:19:00.001-07:00

Oilman's Assoc luncheon, East Ridge CC, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau

Paint on your Carnival mask: Blanc et Noir

2007-01-16T17:28:00.001-08:00

Blanc et Noir
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

Please see http://blancetnoirmarchingsociety.blogspot.com for more on costuming and the importance of masking.

What costume style are you pondering for Carnival 07?

Makeup by Talbot Hopkins.

Marcia White gets more copies of How To Mardi Gras

2007-01-11T02:28:00.001-08:00

Marcia White gets more copies of How To Mardi Gras
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

Merci beaucoup, Marcia! If you need copies to send out as presents, the cost is $5 each from Trudeau: 318-861-6809.

Mardigrasmuseum.org: Shreveport-Bossier's fabulous facility devoted to the costumes and glamour of Carniival

2006-12-30T07:59:00.000-08:00

homepage_museum
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

One of the ultimate Carnival experiences: seeing a Mardi Gras Indian in full suit

2006-12-23T20:24:00.000-08:00

Monk
Originally uploaded by skeletonkrewe.

The Mardi Gras Indians are a perfect example of New Orleans' marching societies. The massive and artistic costume becomes the float. Chanting and percussion is their musical accompaniment.

Blanc et Noir Marching Society meeting at Brother's Seafood 1 pm Sat, Jan 6

2006-12-23T20:09:00.000-08:00

Colorful headdress during Mardi Gras
Originally uploaded by harmonweddings.com.

Bring your bad self and friends to Brother's Seafood, Red River Entertainment District, on Sat, Jan 6, at 1 pm. Dutch treat.

B & N planning and photos. Maggie Martin's story on us in the Times is slated to run Dec 31.

More info: trudeau@earthlink.net or leave a message at 318-861-6809.

Blanc et Noir Marching Society meeting & photo shoot for the Times at Festival Plaza, downtown Shreveport, Thur, Dec 14, at 4 pm

2006-12-10T12:43:00.000-08:00

Mardi Gras Party with Lip Service & Robert Trudeau hosted by nan & Clyde Massey
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

If you'd like to join Shreveport's newest krewe, the Blanc et Noir Marching Society, you are invited to join us - in costume - at 4 pm on Thurs, Dec 14, at Festival Plaza.

There you will learn more about the New Orleans tradition of hiring a brass band and assembling a group of marchers around it. Marching krewes don't use floats. They do the second line around a marching band and may precede a parade, be part of a parade or establish their own parade.

Their costumes may be uniform or independently colorful. They may give throws to their favorites in the crowd or not. The main thing is to strut and entertain people by employing a brass band.

Dues are $25. You will recieve a copy of How To Mardi Gras, authored by the founder of Blanc et Noir, and a document attesting to charter member status.

The super generous may join at the Louis Quatorze level; their fee is $100. All monies are earmarked for 2 items: paying the band and constructing the club banner.

More info: trudeau@earthlink.net or 318-861-6809.

Our principal job is to second line ahead of the Krewe of Highland Parade, Shreveport, on Sun, Feb 18. There will several meetings in Jan and Feb as we ready for the parade.

Laissez les bon temps ...

Artspace second lining to close Faces of Katrina / photo Mike Silva

2006-11-11T14:36:00.000-08:00

Artspace second lining to close Faces of Katrina / photo Mike Silva
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

If you haven't been to Blanc et Noir Marcing Society, please check it now. We're going to pass a good time on Feb 18, 07, ahead of the Krewe of Highland parade in Shreveport.

Here's your intrepid leader outside of Artspace, downtown Shreveport. Allons danser!

How to do Mardi Gras: forming the Blanc et Noir Marching Society in Shreveport

2006-10-28T16:54:00.000-07:00

Order of the Obituary Cocktail
Originally uploaded by talleyjones.

Got to have a banner and a brass marching band as well as a bunch of vividly-costumed second liners, then you're doin' Carnival, aka Mardi Gras.

Please see Blanc et Noir Marching Society for more on Shreveport's newest Carnival society. S'il vous plait.

Storyteller Robert Trudeau: bio 2006

2006-09-14T00:16:00.000-07:00

in the New Orleans Gold video for the National Music Foundation
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

Robert Trudeau

Trudeau has been a Lousiana teacher, journalist, storyteller and visual artist for some 4 decades. He is the author and illustrator of How To Mardi Gras, a small but comprehensive guide to Carnival in the Bayou State (A2Fay Press).

He has presented his Louisiana heritage show, Fais Do-do with Robert Trudeau, to conventions such as the National Dental Association, the National Rose Association and at festivals such as the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Festivale Internationale de Louisiane (Lafayette) and the Mudbug Festival and Red River Revel in Shreveport.

Publications in which he has been published include Southern Living, downbeat, Louisiana Life and numerous regional newspapers and magazines. He recently authored the 50-page Faces of Katrina Teachers’ Resource and Activity Guide for Shreveport Regional Arts Council.

Among his video productions are Red Dirt Roots: Folk Art in North Louisiana, Dia de Los Muertos in Shreveport and Dirtfoot at Columbia Park.

His arts blog, Shreveport.blogspot.com, is updated weekly and has readers from coast to coast. He shoots photos of arts events that are published on Shreveportfaces.blogpsot.com.

Born in Massachusetts in a French-Canadian family, he has deep Louisiana roots on his mother’s French-Spanish side. Trudeau grew up partly in Napoleonville - on Bayou Lafourche - before it was cool to be Cajun. He attended high school as a boarding student at St Joseph Seminary, St Benedict, La. He is a graduate of the University of New Orleans in English education.

Trudeau has taught in Caddo schools for some 30 years. He is married and has 4 children.

Second Lining at the Clarion Hotel / Girls wanna have fun

2006-09-09T04:54:00.000-07:00

SecondLine05.JPG
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

Grab your table napkin when the brass band throws down its funky beat. Wave it over your head while you juke and jive across the room. Do the steps that the person in front is doing. Drunk on the trumpets, trombones and tuba sounds, you stagger and sashay. You are doing the New Orleans second line (the brass band is the first line).

More info about such entertainment: 318-861-6809 or trudeau@earthlink.net

OCS reunion planner Ray bain brings in a national audience to enjoy Mardi Gras-type fun in September

2006-06-29T11:04:00.000-07:00

Ray Bain, OCS reunion planner
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

"This is the OCS Class 58-A reunion," says Bain. We graduated in 1958 from the program at Lackland AFB, Tx , with some160 in the class."

The reunion will draw some 70 people to Shreveport Sept 12 - 14. Fais Do-do with Robert Trudeau will be their banquet entertainment at the Clarion Hotel ballroom on Sept 14. Some 40 copies of How To Mardi Gras will be the goody bags distributed by the Shreveport hosts.

Along the way they will visit the Mardi Gras Museum and take a cruise on the Red River with the vivacious Jan Petit as their witty and history-minded guide. "We've always had Chamber of Commerce-type speakers at the banquet," says Bain. "This is something of a deviation from the routine, and everyone's excited."

Talk to him at 318-865-0020 if you want some tips on reunion planning. Basically, he says, "Get started early. I've been working on this one for a year. "

Texoma Tours at Ralph & Kacoo's Restaurant being entertained by Fais Do-do with Robert Trudeau

2006-06-25T19:14:00.000-07:00

Texoma Tours at Ralph & Kacoo's Restaurant being entertained by Fais Do-do with Robert Trudeau
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

Some 50 travelers on a Texoma Tours Mystery Tour from their base in Sherman, TX, were fed and entertained at Ralph & Kacoo's Restaurant, Bossier City. Trudeau danced, spieled and led the audience participation. Do you see the tit fers - cajun French for triangles - on the table behind me?

The group was happy to examine the connections between Texas and Louisiana culture by dancing, singing along and listening to Trudeau and watching his Crazy Cajun antics. And several members of the group bought copies of How To Mardi Gras after the one-hour show.

Having observed and danced with New Orleans' benevolent societies . . .

2006-02-24T11:14:00.000-08:00

Having observed and danced with New Orleans' benevolent societies . . .
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

For me the second line is a deeply-felt mode of emotional expression. Having watched many Crescent City parades during my youth and salad days I have internalized the spirit of the New Orleans benevolent society funeral march, which is the chief source for the jazz line rituals. Once upon a time in the 80's I even danced in the street crowd following an African-American burial society on their way to the graveyard.
After all my practice and observation and gathering of background this was the fruition of a long-held dream state.

Second lining can be waay expressive and athletic, eh?

2006-02-24T11:08:00.000-08:00

Second lining can be waay expressive and athletic, eh?
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

There's nothing finer to me than seeing a room of people pulsating cross the floor to the jazz of Louis Satchmo Armstrong.

Second lining (the brass band is the "first line") is a New Orleans dancical expression, though you can find similar practices in the Caribbean, Europe and West Africa.

LouisiAfrica is what I call our darling Creole state!

2006-02-24T11:02:00.000-08:00

LouisiAfrica is what I call our darling Creole state!
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

Telling stories, dancing and jamming requires:

a) tuxedo to evoke the classic entertainer's image
b) samba whistle so I can keep the dancers at a fine pitch
c) red suspenders for a flash of color
d) advertising buttons to create a wider awareness of good stuff.
e) Zulu beads round my collar to remind everyone of Fat Tuesday morn in New Orleans.

Story telling - while getting a Mimosa refill from Lee Bamberg, host

2006-02-24T10:57:00.000-08:00

Story telling - while getting a Mimosa refill from Lee Bamberg, host
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

Java Junction is the kind of restaurant where I tell my stories of Louisiana's heritage. People in the audience drink, eat and listen - and get up to dance and then wield shakers and sing.

Participation is the key, eh?

Louisiana folk instrument: spoons

2006-02-24T10:53:00.000-08:00

Louisiana folk instrument: spoons
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

If you're listening to a Cajun or zydeco jam, what better improvisation could there be than using spoons
as percussion? Louisiana has always been a materially poor state. Traditionally there weren't a lot of nice drums around. We picked up whatever was handy and made a rhythmic noise. That includes scrub boards, metal triangles and sticks. Let's jam to that inimitable bayou beat!

Allons danser!

2006-02-24T10:47:00.000-08:00

Allons danser!
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

Dancing is a huge part of the joy of Carnival. While standing around with a drink in your hand may Seem to be the dominant mode of celebration, I beg to differ. Let's dance!

A Louisiana Carnival quiz beneath a Venetian mask

2006-02-15T04:25:00.000-08:00

Maschera 03
Originally uploaded by marco.72.

Global Carnival and Louisiana:
a quiz on the international implications of Mardi Gras
Robert Trudeau

1. The term Carnival comes from the a) French b) German c) Latin d) English.
2. Carnival means a) "Let us celebrate!" b) "A journey to the New World!" c) "Goodbye to flesh!" d) "Wine and feasting for all!"
3. Rex is the best-known krewe of New Orleans but it is not quite the oldest. That distinction belongs to the Mystick Krewe of a) Zulu b) Proteus c) Comus.
4. The horse-mounted men of the Cajun courir de Mardi Gras ride to their neighbors' farms to entertain and to request a) the loan of their first-born son b) a contribution to the gumbo c) a round of beers d) a kiss from each of the ladies.
5. New Orleans still has nighttime parades illuminated in part by men carrying pole-mounted torches. The torches are called a) doubloons b) dragee c) flambeaux.
6. The New Orleans krewe with the biggest floats and the most throws: a) Zulu b) Comus c) Rex d) Bacchus.
7. New Orleans also celebrates the arrival of Rex at the river front on the day before Fat Tuesday. That day has a French name, too: a) Jeudi Gras b) Lundi Gras c) Dimanche Gras d) Vendredi Gras.
8. The first parade to roll on Mardi Gras morning is the one that traditionally did not print a specific parade route: a) Zulu b) Rex c) Comus.
9. The European nation with the longest Carnival season; it begins in November.
a) Senegal b) Germany c) Brazil d) Trinidad .
10. This European nation features a Women's Parade Day during which the females on the floats may descend into the crowd to grab men for hugs and kisses: a) Brazil b) Jamaica c) Germany d) Italy.
11. Carnival costumes are frequently so large in this Caribbean nation that they must be supported by metal frames and outrigger wheels. The nation: a) Jamaica
b) Trinidad c) Brazil.
12. In England the day we know as Fat Tuesday is called Pancake Day or _____ Tuesday. The word means "to forgive someone's sins." a) Shrove Tuesday b) Mauve Tuesday c) Clove Tuesday.
13. The largest number of people at a Carnival gathering in the world: a) New Orleans b) Munich, Germany c) Rio de Janeiro.
14. T / F New Orleans Mardi Gras was not affected by the graceful dancing and festive costumes seen on African-American slaves as they gathered every Sunday in Congo Square.
15. Nova Scotia was known to the French as a) Canada b) New France c) Acadia
d) Haiti North.
16. Which group of French-speaking colonists came to Louisiana first? a) the Acadians, popularly known as the Cajuns b) French colonists under Governors Iberville and Bienville.
17. The principal region from which slaves were brought to the New World: a) North Africa b) East Africa c) South Africa d) West Africa.

18. The nation that is home to the Roman Catholic Church and place where the first
Carnival masking and parades were seen: a) Italy b) France c) England.
19. T / F The term Creole comes from the Spanish word for "cry." It referred to the cry of a baby born to parents who have emigrated to the New World.
20. Louisiana's Carnival season begins on January 6. That day is also known as a) Twelfth Night b) Tableau Night c) Dionysus Night.
21. Shreveport-Bossier has perhaps half a dozen parading krewes. The New Orleans
area has some a) 25 b) 50 c) 300 parades.
22. The immediate source for traditions and materials in Louisiana's early carnival festivities was a) Paris b) Rome c) Venice d) London.
23. In the city of New Orleans, which was developed first? a) Jazz music b) Mardi Gras.
24. What force connects the culture of South Louisiana to Carnival and makes it difficult for North Louisiana to do the same? a) racial heritage b) poverty
c) socio-religious culture d) history.
25. What unites the various US states who have the biggest propensity to Carnival? a) telecommunications b) the Gulf c) love of costumes d) music.
26. Which group of European colonists used the port of Cadiz as their point of embarkation and debarkation to Louisiana? a) Spain b) France c) Italy d) Portugal.
27. Which group of people spent a year or two on a Caribbean island before being allowed to work in the American colonies? a) Acadians b) Africans c) Creoles.
28. T / F Ethiopia, Nigeria, the Congo: these are the West African nations of America's heritage.

African-American role in Carnival, a European celebration / Gregory Cooper at Artspace, Shreveport

2006-02-03T10:48:00.000-08:00

Gregory Cooper at Artspace
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

African-Americans in Louisiana colony had unusual freedoms, according to Gewndolyn Midlo Hall, in her book Africans in Colonial Louisiana: The Development of Afro-Creole Culture in the 18th Century. Among the freedoms accorded by the French colonial administration was weekly dancing and drumming in the "back of town."

The costumes donned by African slaves as they danced on the levee or back o' town, Place Congo, were extravagant, according to European observers. In these improvised costumes we see the roots and inspiration for New Orleans costumes.

Thanks to Shreveporter Greg Cooper, Artspace staffer, for holding a copy How To Mardi Gras. It's an excellent place to purchase this comprehensive guide to Louisiana's Carnival celebrations.

This entertainer in Montreal reminds us of the flambeaux carriers of New Orleans' night parades

2006-01-24T11:12:00.000-08:00

fire breather st jean baptiste 2003
Originally uploaded by Spatial Mongrel.

Let us think of the importance of lighting up the night sky during Carnavale. In days of yore the night parades and parties were lighted by torches. Fire breathers are what we Louisianians would call lagniappe (somethin' extra).

Electric lights are important, yes. But they give no sense of romance and history.

In New Orleans some night parades still feature the flambeaux carriers. They are ranks of men whose joy is to bump and dance to the rhythms of the brass band while holding a torch aloft.

The most comprehensive guide to Louisiana's Carnival season: How To Mardi Gras

2005-12-29T15:58:00.000-08:00

The most funktious guide to Louisiana's jiggy Carnival season: How To Mardi Gras

Order your copies of this charming and evocative piece of Bayou State culture straight from the publisher.

Please send $6 per copy plus $3 shipping - for up to 5 copies.

Wholesalers, please send $33 and I will rush you 10 copies.

Mardi Gras is a growth industry! Put out the books, talk up the etouffee and put on the Neville Brothers' records. Then watch people make their costumes, dance and jive and stir the big cayenne-scented pot!

That's trudeau@earthlink.net, y'all. Or simply chat with me at 318-861-6809. Please see more below.

The best way to build your Mardi Gras vibe: put on some Carnival music

2005-12-18T15:46:00.000-08:00

Miss Megoo
Originally uploaded by ectomorfo.

This girl playing sax is part of the Notting Hill Carnival celebration, according to the photog. She reminds me of favorite sounds from Dr John. See if you can find his classic Gumbo if you want the tee-na-na.

Phoenix

2005-12-18T15:18:00.000-08:00

Phoenix
Originally uploaded by lil.

"Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the Asakusa Samba Carnival is held every year in late August. More than 500,000 people lined the streets this year to soak in the infectious rhythms and highly-charged atmosphere of this exciting Latin American festival. Tokyo is home to more than 200,000 Brazilian-Japanese and this is their largest celebration of the year," says photographer Kristen Elsby.

Asakusa, Tokyo, 2005

Masking in Rome, the home of Carnevale

2005-12-18T15:06:00.000-08:00

Rome2 009
Originally uploaded by diakho.

Roman Carnival Overture, the concerto by French composer Hector Berlioz, was composed after spending a year in Rome.

"Hector Berlioz established programme music as the Romantic musical form and started the beginnings of the symphonic poem. His music is representative of his own wild emotional swings and he often broke traditional orchestral rules!" So says the site music.kingdavid.com

"Roman Carnival is a fast and exciting piece which captures the imagination and drives the listener forward through a carnival in the streets of Rome, giving us colour, fun, excitement, people enjoying themselves, dancing, singing, laughing, playing — all having a ball!"

In truth, this site says, "Berlioz himself did experience the real Roman Carnival during his stay in the city as a Prix de Rome winner in 1831.

By long tradition, deriving from the ancient pagan Saturnalia (the forerunner to christmas), it was the most hectic, licentious and violent of all Italy’s pre-Lenten carnivals, and one which several Popes had unsuccessfully tried to restrain.

Like Goethe, who witnessed it twice on his famous Italian journey, in 1787 and 1788, and found in it noise but no real merriment — “One has to see the Roman Carnival to lose all wish to ever see it again!” — Berlioz describes it brilliantly, but as his Memoirs show was in fact disgusted by what he too found an almost totally degrading spectacle."

A costume from Venice, one of the homes of Carnival

2005-12-18T14:54:00.000-08:00

costumes673.JPG
Originally uploaded by baddogsticks.

Outside of New Orleans - in the places where Carnival has been adopted in recent times - the entire season may be called Mardi Gras. With more background, even newbies will see that the proper term for the season is Carnival. In countries with Latin-based languages, it is Carnevale. Only a single day should be called Mardi Gras if you buy into the rituals and culture of this global party.

Krewe of Highland parade, Shreveport

2005-11-28T18:24:00.000-08:00

TalbotCrowdKreweOfHighland
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

Across the Bayou State, along the Gulf rim - from Florida through Texas - and in the world's big cities, Carnival is a growing season. In Louisiana the season of Carnival begins with balls on Twelfth Night, or the Feast of Kings, aka the Feast of the Epiphany, on Jan 6.

Sadly, America's home to the Carnival spirit, New Orleans, will struggle to maintain its carnival traditions in 2006. Hellish storm Katrina ravaged the city and the state. Recovery will not be quickly achieved.

How to Mardi Gras, by author-illustrator Robert Trudeau, will nonetheless help people prepare to do their best in helping the Crescent City keep the vibe alive. Knowing the holiday's background and having suggestions in your masking and partying can deepen your participation.

The most comprehensive guide to Louisiana's Carnival season: How To Mardi Gras

2005-11-27T18:03:00.000-08:00

The most comprehensive guide to Louisiana's Carnival season: How To Mardi Gras
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

36 pages, 36 illustrations, this guide's cool for students, adults, anyone who needs a quick study on the seasonal madness. Order copies from the publisher - $6 each, unless you want 10 copies or more - at 318-861-6809. Costumes, krewes, music, history, lore: it's all here. Hey, ya'll: laisser les bon temps rouler.