Mardi Gras 2005

The term Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday, which is the day before Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras is actually celebrated in many places all over the world, such as Venice, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, and Belgium, to name a few. Of course, as Americans we best know the celebration to take place in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The huge, massive event takes place in the French Quarter, where the celebration originally began in the 1700's when French settlers set up a series of house parties there. Today, Mardi Gras is a wild celebration of parades, parties, and dancing. The event usually takes place in February or March. Mardi Gras 2005 was no different than previous years, with a lot of drinking and partying taking place on the streets of New Orleans. Cajun food is extremely popular during this time, as many tourists flock there to celebrate and do not get to eat this popular style of food any other time. Mardi Gras 2005 was a great success.

Although Mardi Gras 2005 was a fun and productive time for both tourists and natives of Louisiana alike, tragedy struck the area in August of 2005. Hurricane Katrina has caused extensive damage to the city, causing at least 80 percent of the area to be underwater. Homes and businesses have been damaged, and the entire city of New Orleans has had to be evacuated so that the government can clean up the area and begin to rebuild. Since Mardi Gras 2005 has already taken place, no one knows what will happen with Mardi Gras 2006, and even the Mardi Gras celebrations of years to come. Many say it could possibly take years before the city of New Orleans is fully functional again. But the celebration and the spirit will live on. The people of the state of Louisiana will certainly be victorious, and remember to celebrate the things that they do have.