Mardi Gras Will Happen, Here’s How! (Ways to celebrate Mardi Gras at home with your Kids)
Mardi Gras will look different this year. No parades. No marching bands. No bead throwing. No coveted krewe throws. Coronavirus has taken a lot from us. It keeps trying to kick us down but New Orleanians are resilient. Mardi Gras is our holiday. It is in our blood. It can and will not be taken from us. While this year there will not be the traditional ways to celebrate, here are some fun ways to celebrate Mardi Gras at home.
King Cake Tasting “Party”
Like many have already been stating this year, you can’t cancel king cake. Set aside one night where you and the family can sample a couple of different kinds of king cakes. Maybe get some savory, maybe some sweet. Are you team Bavarian cream? Team traditional? Team cream cheese? Do you swear by Gambino’s or Dong Phuong? Grab a couple of king cakes from various bakeries and have an in-family poll on your favorites. The King Cake Hub on Broad Street helps by having a variety of King Cakes from various Bakeries and Restaurants. Grab a few and see what the winner in your home is.
Yardi Gras
This has been a fun idea thrown around. Different neighborhoods are creating groups of “Krewe of House Floats.” Grab the kiddos and paint/create decorations to use around the house, especially outside. Make your own Krewe Float out of your home. Vote on a theme and have each member of the house add to the theme.
Along with this idea, check your neighborhood Facebook group or NextDoor and sign up to be added to the to map of the House floats. Print out the map and go driving around your neighborhood. Check out how your neighborhood decorates for Mardi Gras. Some wonderful homes have hired local artists to create original artwork for their homes. You could even drive around to other neighborhoods to see the House floats. Many St. Charles homes have gone above and beyond!
Floats in the Oaks
Discuss Mardi Gras With Your Kids
Another way to keep the Mardi Gras feeling alive is discussing it with your kids. Grab some books about Mardi Gras and read them to your kids. Discuss what Mardi Gras meant to you as a kid and what your favorite memories about Mardi Gras were while growing up. Go over the history of how Mardi Gras meant to be. You could even show your kids photos of you as a child during Mardi Gras. You could even make a king cake together as a family to start a new tradition.
Krewe de *Insert your Family Name*
Throw your own parade at home with your family members. Vote on a theme and have each member of the family make a “float.” Have each member of the family dress in costume with props and parade around your house or yard. If any of the family members play an instrument or dance, they can be a “dance krewe” or “marching band.” Don’t forget to throw some beads out! Throw Me Something Mister (or Sister)!
I know a part of us will feel a missing piece this Mardi Gras season. Personally, I will miss my Krewe of Iris ladies riding and celebrating. I refuse to have my daughter feel like she is missing out. New Orleans is in her blood and Mardi Gras will always be a part of her life. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
