Events and Festivals in USA
Whether it’s a local party or a massive national festival, nothing’s more frustrating than missing out on major events on your travels. To make sure you’re at the most exciting events in USA check out the HostelBookers roundup of what’s happening when. We’ve got the lot covered!
A Float Throwing Beads to the Crowd
New Orleans Mardi Gras - USA
When: 16 February 2010
Mardi Gras is one of the most famous and wildly popular carnivals in the world. In recent years, though, its success has been even more meaningful, as the hurricane-ravaged city tries to get back on its feet.
The pinnacle of Mardi Gras is ‘Fat Tuesday’ which falls on the final day of the carnival. Revelers decked out in masks and spectacular costumes fill the streets in order to be entertained by the numerous passing parades.
The heart of the action is Bourbon Street, which becomes jam-packed with thousands of visitors - including many females hoisting their tops in exchange for a string of the Mardi Gras beads. (Although local police have cracked down on such exhibitionism lately!)
The processions begin some three weekends before Shrove Tuesday (usually early February) and locals gather in 'krewes' to take part. Each group follows a specific theme that their floats, dresses and general decorations explore and develop upon.
New Orleans is undoubtedly still recovering from the disasterous hurricane that rocked the city. But the locals are fiercely proud of Mardi Gras, and it wasn’t long before it started to swing again, in much the same way as it always has done!
