Greetings from Mardi Gras! I arrived in New Orleans early this week and had just a few days to catch my breath before jumping headfirst in Mardi madness. I visited my sister’s classroom to make a presentation about celebrations around the world to her students, but otherwise barely left her house! Good thing I have plenty of time left to explore The Big Easy.
We kicked off festival celebrations on Thursday night and it’s been a swirl of purple green and yellow ever since. Capturing the spectacle that is Mardi Gras on camera has been a huge challenge for me (event photography is always my biggest struggle), so I’m glad I still have three more days to go!
Happy Mardi Gras, ya’ll!
Photo A
An amazing (if slightly blurry) message outside my sister’s classroom
Photo B
A rare quiet moment on a Mardi Gras float
Photo C
Tiny revelers reach for throws
Photo D
Magic hour
Photo E
Partying late into the night
Which photo is your favorite?
some epic shots in here!! think i’ll pick Photo C for its dreamy quality (viva la sun flare). you’re doing a fantastic job of capturing a place very close to my heart!
Thanks Becky! I am already planning my return to NOLA… love it here!
D, with the beads flying.
Looks like the reader favorite this week π
D – it captures what I assume to be the frenzy and excitement of the crowd and the parade participants. I also like the message in A. I am wondering how many of the kindergartners in Olivia class understand it.
They may not understand the poster, but I think it explains the values that they teach at that school in every aspect of the curriculum! So I think it will get through eventually π
D for sure! Yes, dream-like quality.
And the first photo is blurry because that kid is in a hurry to find a way!
Ha, or maybe because I took it with my iPhone π
love B, the most artistic one
Thanks Pilar! It’s tough to get artsy in such a crowd, glad I nailed it π
I love the message in A, but D really captures Mardi Gras for me – the colors, the beads in the trees, the kids on parents’ shoulders yelling “throw me something, mister”. Laissez les bon temps rouler!
I loved being in that crowd — such energy! It was a great parade!
Wow I can not wait toread up on your experiences here. I’ve always wanted to go
I am loving it! I already know I need to return to New Orleans very soon to see it at a more “regular” pace, however π
I really like the sign outside your sister’s classroom. Great message! What does she teach?
She is a Teach for America fellow rotating through kindergarten, first and second grade classrooms. Next year she’ll be teaching first grade!
D! Love the energy you captured there.
Thanks Silvia! Mardi Gras is such a frenetic event… love the energy in the air.
Photo D for sure! So much light and action it makes it really interesting to see. Can’t wait to visit NO for Mardi Gras one day.
It should definitely be on everyone’s bucket lists!
I am choosing photo E. Purely for selfish reasons. After a weekend of working ten hour shift I could do with partying.
Cheers to that, Steve! Hope you can have at least a mini-one π
I am choosing photo A! Love the quote
I think I am going to make a print out of it! So much inspiration.
BEST. HOLIDAY. EVER.
I love these pics — especially D. I’ve always found it challenging to get good snaps, mostly because I’m too busy trying to catch throws, haha π
Enjoy it Alex!
I am loving it so much Laryssa! I’m bummed I missed your parade… but maybe that’s a reason to return next year π
Aww! I’d love to visit Mardi Gras, Hopefully next year. New Orleans is such a unique city.
Have fun!
I can definitely see why so many people leave their hearts in New Orleans! It really is a special place.
Lovely photos, New Orleans / Louisiana is one of my all time favourite travel destinations and has a special place in my heart. Looking forward to reading your posts about the Big Easy and the place my heart calls home π
I can see why, Sally! What an interesting, unique and lively city. So happy to be here!
Too bad I’m out of town working. Not only am I missing Lundi Gras and Mardi Gras Days, but I also missed the opportunity to meet you. Of course in New Orleans, Carnival Season lasts a while (officially beginning Jan 6th each year, twelve days after Christmas – AKA “Twelfth Night”. This is when the King Cakes come out and the revelry begins), and I marched with one of the local ladies dance troops, the Cherry Bombs, In the King Arthur Parade that rolls Uptown Sunday the 23rd.
I’m glad to see you are enjoying your visit to my hometown, and I look forward to the full write-up. BTW: Take the ferry from the end of Canal Street across the river to Algiers Pt. It’s only a couple of bucks and well worth the view of the city from the river.
Happy Mardi Gras, and laissez les bons temps rouler!
Thanks Steven! I am so happy I arrived in time to start the celebrations early… Thursday and Friday had my favorite parades! And I didn’t realize how my NOLA-based readers I have… next time I’ll have to hold a meetup!
Lovely impressions! My favourite is probably “C”, even though all of them capture a “moment” and a certain mood. I also really like the “message” of the first one… π
Me too! I think it is my new mantra. Love love love π
D for me seems to capture the colors and energy of Mardi Gras. Waiting for more!
Coming up on Sunday π
I have never heard of Mardi Gras, but this year I keep seeing facebook updates of people going. Looks like a fun event. I love photo D/
It’s one of the biggest festivals in America, I think! Hopefully I’ll have tons to tell ya soon!
I’m between Photo D and E, but they’re all very nice. Jealous that you’re there for Mardi Gras! I would really like to experience it one day.
It’s definitely worth putting on the bucket list, Taylor! Absolutely loving it so far.
It’s a toss up between the bold simplicity of A and the energy of C! Great shots, enjoy! Tammy hasn’t heard of Mardi Gras, really? π
The kids in my sister’s classroom were flabbergasted to learn that there are places in the world where Mardi Gras is not celebrated! Imagine if I had told them some people don’t even know it exists! π
Ah can’t wait to see more Mardi Gras pictures after this. Love Photo D.
Jade, there are sooooo many! Let the great editing fun begin π
I love A perfect amount of blur
Thanks Amanda π Lucky iPhone snap!
D! Only been to NOLA once, but it’s on my bucket list to go back for mardis gras!
I think even now that I’ve been it’s on my bucket list to go back! Loved it!