Carnival Doesn't Have to End (A Reflection)

On Ash Wednesday, there is a calm in New Orleans- a quietness. It could be because everyone is hung over or sleeping in. It could also simply be a sign of exhaustion. I look at is as a telling sign that "the party's over" for another year. I haven't met anyone yet that doesn't love something about Carnival season. Many locals say that you can "feel" Carnival coming the weeks leading up to January 6. Compared to most cities, New Orleans is in celebration mode all year long, whether we're celebrating po'boys, crawfish, music, a random tradition or a unique culture. However, Mardi Gras is like nothing you can imagine. The level of intensity, excitement, playfulness, carefree attitudes and indulgence feels like a detour from reality. So, when the lull comes the day after Fat Tuesday, it's time to rest and recover, put away the costumes, toss leftover king cake, go back to work and be productive again. 

This year, I had an interesting thought. While Ash Wednesday marks the start of an important time of reverence and spiritual reflection for many religious groups, "the party" doesn't have to be over. Of course, there are not going to be parades every weekend or opportunities to costume 3 nights a week, but the spirit of Carnival doesn't have to be put in a Rubbermaid tote until next year. 

Our Mardi Gras wreath is still on our front door. Our living room is overly decorated in Mardi Gras "stuff" (beads, masks, throws, etc). The things we caught from all the parades has taken over our guest space too. While we will honor the tradition of only eating king cake during Carnival, we keep our costumes handy all year round for any excuse to throw on a wig or dress as a superhero! There are many reminders in our home of Mardi Gras all year long. But, it's not just about the decorations or costumes, it's about an attitude, a perspective on life.

Some people may not be proud of what Mardi Gras turns them into. Many people drink and act foolish for several days, get kicked out of a few bars and wake up Ash Wednesday not necessarily remembering most of it. Honestly, that is much more likely to be the experience of a first time tourist that a repeat Carnival-goer or a local. For us, Carnival Season takes a load off. It temporarily suspends stresses, worries, fears and in ways, even work! (Matt's school was closed for the entire week of Mardi Gras!) Somehow, it mysteriously transforms us into playful silly people and gives us some sort of freedom that we can't quite label or explain. 

We spent the last few days of the Fat Tuesday week in Destin, FL on the beach. The weather was absolutely beautiful and the sound of the waves and the seagulls paired with our time spent staring at the tide and starry sky reminded us to remember life is what we make it. We choose our path and we choose how to react to what happens in life as well as how to interpret it. It is our choice to put the Carnival spirit in a box with our boas, beads and masks or to decide to keep it out all year long.