Mardi Gras. Carnevale. Festivals, parades and processions. Music and dancing.
Costumes.
And masks.
I’ve never been to a Mardi Gras celebration before, but Saturday night Barry and I headed to The 18th Annual Cajun & Zydeco Mardi Gras Ball at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet with our wonderful cousin/closest friends. Oh, we had our beads and masks… but the party revelers were, for the most part, decked in the most colorful, clever, creative costumes. Fabulous fun costumes fit for the grand celebrations of eating, dancing and partying before the obligatory fasting and customs of the Lenten season. The costumes were not Halloweenish… rather, more fun and festive with feathers, beads and bells. Glitter, sequins and lace. There was big hair, hats/crowns of all kinds and, of course, the focal point of Mardi Gras – the masks.
The masks were not frightening. They were intricately detailed and elegant. They were beautifully mysterious. They were masks without that frightening anomynity that often comes with the Halloween mask.
I can’t remember having as much fun. Dancing. Eating. Drinking. Dancing, eating and drinking some more.
I already have next year’s Mardi Gras planned… and it will include a fabulous costume and even more fabulous mask. The celebration certainly brings an air of great festivity and warmth to a cold New England night.
Oh Sharon, I love it! My sister would be so proud of you and Barry. She lives in cajun country and they live for Mardi Gras in her parts. In fact, my nephew & niece are usually in their Mardi Gras parade every year. They are usually off work to celebrate. I love your’s and Barry’s masks. I would love to attend one of these balls. You can add this to your Birthday list of things to do this year.
It looks as though you and Barry and cousins had a blast!
I’ve loved the concept of Mardi Gras since I was a kid. It grew to anything to do with NOLA.
Thanks for posting such fun pictures.
Now that looked like fun. You and Barry looked great. Did you check your email girlfriend?
Oh how much fun! What great pictures.
Nell
This was my first year celebrating Mardi Gras, too! As you can imagine, living in Louisiana now, Mardi Gras is quite the big deal! We took the kids to a parade where they collected tons (TONS!) of beads and treasures and had a King Cake here at home. It was so much fun! I’m glad you got to celebrate, too! Can’t wait to see your next year pics!