This weekend the French Quarter, aka “Party Central,” will become “PARTY CENTRAL.”
Mardi Gras has been going on for over a week, and suddenly, another party animal rushes in to blitz the town … Super Bowl XLVII, or for the Roman Numeral challenged, Super Bowl 47.
Mardi Gras’ normal schedule was split to accommodate the big game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens. We lived in New Orleans for a couple of wacky carnivals, and it’s hard for us to imagine how crazy it will be when party-hardy football fans are added to the gumbo.
The “Super Gras,” as it’s become known, is a party Oreo composed of 10 days of MG, 8 days of SB, and then the final 6 days of MG. This schedule provides the businesses of New Orleans a tremendous economic benefit, and gives Mardi Gras revelers time to sober up before it all starts up again. As we’ve said before, there’s a reason its called a party town.
Enjoy these scenes from a quiet, calm French Quarter. It will be a while before it looks this way again.
Happy Super Gras Y’all,
James and Terri
GALLIVANCE 
Fantastic colours! My friend went to the Mardi Gras years ago and brought back some of the bright necklaces I believe everyone wears? She said in some cases that’s about ALL people wear!
Too funny … and she’s right! Sometimes things can get a little wild. The unwritten rule is that when they throw the beads from the float, catch them in the air. If they hit the ground, you run the risk of getting your fingers stepped on by the crowd.
I’ll remember that when I make it to New Orleans
Fabulous blue lanterns! Super bowl tomorrow!
The blue lanterns are at the W Hotel in the French Quarter. I love ’em, too!
I so loved seeing ‘the blue dog’ in the background of that last shot!
thanks for transporting me back!
z
Thanks Lisa. This photo was taken in the window of his gallery in the French Quarter. He had lots of wonderful, quirky pieces on display (eg grand piano complete with a huge “blue dog”. He also has a huge mural on the side of a building on Canal Street. Apparently, he is doing OK.
i chuckle; yes, he should be doing well! i wonder if he’s tired of painting the blue dog; sort of a burn out, yet he can’t disconnect from the subject that made him famous!
the dog always makes me smile, so surely he still gets pleasure from his subject!
It looks like a resort out of season, just waiting for a rush of people.
You’re right … and it’s going to be totally mobbed tonight! Some people victorious, others crying in their beer (but happy to be in the French Quarter)!
have always wanted to go, soooooooooooooooo colourful! No crying in beer though please ^_^
As long as there’s no football, the only crying should be over spilled beer. Maybe you could convert your van into a parade float. It’s an idea.
can you imagine lol epic idea ^_^
Love all the colors and I love those mannequins- I don’t know why, but I’ve always loved photographing mannequins!
Thanks Katrina, for the comment and for dropping by the blog. Mannequins usually fall into one of two categories. Functional and totally boring, or outrageous. And I agree that they really are fun to photograph … if they’re wacky. BTW, impressive getting your book published. Well done!