Q. What exactly is Mardi Gras?

A. Well it's a little hard to explain to someone who hasn't experienced it but I'll try. Mardi Gras is the last party before Lent. Mardi Gras consists of parades, in which people dress in costumes to throw beads, dubloons, cups, toys, underwear, and almost anything else you can imagine. Mardi Gras also has many drunk people together having a good time and just completely relaxing. Almost anything goes at Mardi Gras and everyone just has a REALLY good time. The hidden attribute about Mardi Gras is the spirit. Everyone usually gets along with everyone else and as long as you are considerate to the people around you they will look out for you and take care of you. Many people share food, drinks, and best of all stories of Mardi Gras pasts. The old, the young, and all the in-betweens can become one and put away their age differences. Also, race doesn't matter nor does religion. To sum up Mardi Gras, I can do it in four words:

Q. How much does it cost?

A. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!

Q. Is it safe?

A. Many of you might be weary about the fact that New Orleans has such a high crime and murder rate. Mardi Gras is different. First of all, if you use your head and don't wander around the city and into dark alleys by yourself you will be fine. If the New Orleans police department does anything right it is keeping Mardi Gras crowds under control and safe for everyone. Just don't get into an argument with any of the N.O.P.D. either because they are under a lot of stress during Mardi Gras as you can imagine and they hardly get any sleep. So yes, I believe Mardi Gras is safe. I've been going now for about 20 years.

Q. Where are the bathrooms?

A. Great question. If ever you find them let me know.

Q. Where do I stay?

A. Well you should definitely start making reservations about a year or so in advance if you plan on staying somewhere nice in the city or right around the city. Also, go ahead and book a airline ticket, if you are flying in, when you make hotel reservations. Both rooms and airline tickets go FAST!!!

Q. Is it as much fun as I have heard?

A. No it sure isn't. It is so much more FUN and exciting when you actually experience it. Noone could ever explain to you how much fun it is or how unforgettable it is. It is absolutely AMAZING and you will never in your life see anything bigger or better.

Q. Where do I park to get to the parades?

A. Again, if you find a good place let me know. By the way, your best and safest places to park will require you to pay. Do not be stingy and park on the street it isn't as safe or smart.

Q. Just how many parades roll during Carnival Season?

A. More then you can see. You won't be able to see every parade during Carnival season but make sure you see the bigger and better ones. Bacchus, Endymion, Orpheus, Zulu, and of course REX are must see parades. Endymion rolls the Saturday before Mardi Gras day, followed by Bacchus on Sunday, Orpheus on Monday, and of course last but not least, Zulu and Rex run together on Mardi Gras day, which is Fat Tuesday.

Here are a few pictures of me and some of my friends during the 1998 Mardi Gras: