March 8, 2011 celebrations for Mardi Gras in post-Katrina New Orleans were smaller than past years before Katrina. This year New Orleans saw recovery no matter how small and the Mardi Gras celebration took place as it always has before with parade routes planned through the emerging parishes. Returning residents of New Orleans are rebuilding and restoring from the strength of community with legacies of past traditions filled with memories. Slowly the future is taking form with celebrations meant to lift the spirits and revive the passion New Orleans has held dear for so many years.
Although the Mardi Gras festivities of the future are smaller the essence of Mardi Gras is alive in New Orleans. Preparations for Mardi Gras 2012 are already under way with parade schedules starting from February 4, 2012 through February 21, 2012. Celebrations will continue through the month of February, with next year-s Mardi Gras falling on Tuesday, February 21, 2012. This day of “Fat Tuesday’ will close the Carnival season and celebration for another year.
The Mardi Gras Act was passed as a legal holiday in 1875 and continues today. Make your plans to make memories that will last a lifetime, start planning your costume and come to watch the parades. 2011 brought the old and new back into New Orleans creating a celebration to remember. 2012 is promising to have more decorations filled with color and masses of twinkling lighting. Mardi Gras is one of the social events of the year drawing people with an opportunity to enjoy and share the fun, food and music. Overnight accommodations were at the city-s peak with attendances of more visitors than the previous year. Private parties and funder raisers broke attendance records last year and are looking forward to another good year for Mardi Gras 2012.