By paNOW Staff

Mardi Gras surpasses P.A. woman’s expectations

Mar 8, 2011 | 8:39 AM

It is one of the busiest days of the year in New Orleans, La.

Today is Mardi Gras, or fat Tuesday, and paNOW’s Angela Hill is taking in the festivities.

She said three hours before the main parades – the Zulu and Rex parades – the streets were already filling with people.

“Everyone is in costume, I am wearing a tutu myself and I don’t even stick out,” Hill said.

“I just passed a group of people dressed as thing one and thing two from Dr. Seuss, all in red and bright blue hair. People have barbeques out here, they have tents. It is a family affair. Everywhere you see ladders set up, and on top of the ladder is a box, it’s a place where kids can go, they can see over the crowds.”

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She said even though it looks like rain is headed their way, everyone is in a good mood and is excited for the parades.

“There are probably a million people who have come into the city just to see the parades.”

In the last two weeks there were about 12 or 15 of them – there are six today, she said, adding she plans to see three or four parades.

“Everyone throws all of these beads. Each of the different routes throw different things and those things are collectors’ items.”

Hill said she already has a crab with blue lipstick and a cup with the name of a float on it. She is most excited for the Zulu parade, where they throw world famous coconuts to the crowd.

She said, while she wasn’t sure of what to expect, it is surpassing everything she hoped.

“I heard there would be flashing for beads, and there is some of that in sort of the downtown area, but along the parade routes it’s really family and friend centred and everyone reaches out,” Hill said.

“I showed up late Sunday night and a group was like’ here, have a beer, have another one’ and it’s such a great atmosphere.

“I think because New Orleans was hit so hard by hurricane Katrina, it brings them even closer together. They are so proud of their culture, they are so proud of the events their city has to offer that they want everyone to leave here with such a positive experience and a positive attitude towards New Orleans and what they have to offer, and right now it would be impossible not to leave with that attitude.”

While today is the big blowout event, the festivities all ends a midnight when Mardi Gras comes to an end.

news@panow.com