As we enter into Carnival Season 2000 we have a new way for locals and visitors alike to see and learn more about this "Greatest Free Party on Earth."
A new permanent exhibit at the Presbytere on Jackson Square, "Mardi Gras: It's Carnival Time in Louisiana," brings the different faces of Mardi Gras to life in a 16,000 square foot $2 million dollar multimedia exhibition in this historic site.
From Bourbon Street to the bayou the exhibits cover five major themes: History, Masking, Parades, Balls and Arcadian Mardi Gras.
The Displays include the things you would expect...
The parties on Bourbon Street (a "G" rated version), the Krewes their Balls and Parades, displays of costumes, crowns, scepters, doubloons, floats...
To the things you may not know as much about...
What does it mean to mask during Carnival? Courier du Mardi Gras, a rural celebration with participants dressing in "wild costumes" and going on a hunt for the ingredients for a communal Gumbo, The Mardi Gras Indians and their impact on Mardi Gras...
To the serious...
The 1979 police strike, the 1992 city ordinance banning discrimination in the Krewes...
To the humorous...
The Port-O-Let doors to the restrooms of the exhibition.
Scattered throughout you will find videos and listening stations in addition to the static displays.
There is something here for the native Mardi Graser to the first time visitor, for the kids and the serious student.
This is truly a great way to get into the spirit of Carnival as you wait for the parades and parties to begin...
Where: The Presbytere 751 Chartres St. (Jackson Square) When: Tuesday - Sunday 9am - 5pm How Much: $5 adults - $4 seniors, students and active military - children under 12 free Contact: 568-6968
For those of you planning a visit to The French Quarter in March here are a few tips...
The normal average high temperature is 71.6 degrees, with an average low of 51.6 degrees. It normally rains 9 days during the month with an average of 4.90" of precipitation. The record high is 89 degrees (18 March 1982) and the record low is 25 degrees (2nd and 4th March 1980).
So how do you pack...
Definitely bring something warm, it can still be pretty cold esp. at night but bring the shorts too for those nice days. I also recommend a poncho to everyone - rainstorms in the Quarter have a way of starting quickly and being downpours (The one day record for March is 7.87".) A poncho can be rolled up and stuck in a bag or fanny pack (you can even buy cheap plastic emergency ponchos in most shops). An umbrella is nice but easy to forget or lose.
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