Mardi Gras Prep

Decorations are UP at the Original Farmers Market, 3rd & Fairfax

Yikes! Everything is happening at the same time! It's almost Mardi Gras, Valentine's Day, The Winter Olympics AND we're going on vacation! We usually do it up big for Mardi Gras. We consider it our wedding anniversary. Way back in 1992, March 3rd happened to fall on Fat Tuesday. Since we met in New Orleans, we decided to head on down to the LA Courthouse and get married on that day. Mardi Gras does not fall on March 3rd every year, so we celebrate our anniversary twice!

Los Angeles celebrates Mardi Gras a bit differently than New Orleans or other parts of Louisiana.  Essentially, it's just a big party with masks, music and beer. The Farmers Market has a good celebration every year, the weekend before Fat Tuesday and on the actual day. To check out the Market events, here is the SCHEDULE. We'll probably head over there some time during the weekend.

"Mutti" Gras Parade at the Farmers Market

Here are some past Mardi Gras and Carnival celebrations, courtesy of the L.A. Library Photo Archives: 

Floats and Big Head Characters, Venice 1936

1962, Valley Times Collection. Ladies of the Assistance League in Mardi Gras Costumes for the annual benefit party

1963, Valley Times Collection. Women's Club Members prepare for dance

We have a number of Mardi Gras hats, along with beads and other carnival paraphenalia to choose from this weekend. I try to crochet new hats every year, but I didn't quite make it this year.

Hat and Bead Collection

Mr. Mardi Gras

Mrs. Mardi Gras

We'll be in Hawaii on the actual day this year. Thank you to our lovely neighbors for watching our house while we're away. We'll have to change up our costumes for a Hawaiian parade!!