A Message from The Honorable Mayor Ray Nagin

WELCOME TO THE MARDI GRAS

Dear Mardi Gras Revelers,

As Mayor of New Orleans, I want to wish you a happy and safe Carnival season.

The French settlers of New Orleans brought with them the tradition of celebrating Mardi Gras. Fat Tuesday is one final chance to indulge before the sacrifices that come with Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent.

In the mid-1700, New Orleans Creoles celebrated carnival at masked balls. One hundred years later, the first organized carnival krewes began parading on the streets of New Orleans. That tradition has been going strong for more than 150 years.

I’m sure you will discover when the marching bands kick in you won’t be able to keep your feet still. When float riders taunt you with beads you will be screaming ‘Throw me something, Mister.’

Mardi Gras is just one of the many traditions that have contributed to the romance and lore of New Orleans. I hope you have a chance to visit New Orleans, to see our city and to taste our unique cultural heritage. On Mardi Gras day, New Orleans puts its lust for life on parade. But you will also find that every day is cause for celebration in a city that is imbued with the Carnival spirit.

Sincerely,

C. Ray Nagin

Mayor of New Orleans