With all eyes on New Orleans today for Super Bowl LIX we throw it forward and tell you how to float on in The Big Easy.
Mardi Gras is New Orleans’ annual calling card to the world with tens of thousands set to visit on March 4.
And up to 40 floats costing thousands of dollars each meandering their way along the streets.
All of which I could take notes from for my next parade.
Mardi Gras World
And I’ve been spending a lifetime from Barbados to Barcelona to improve on my float.
At the 1986 Aberdeen Uni charity Torcher parade when I left the newspaper office desk on the float in the car park overnight.
As I went off drinking only to find it wasn’t there the next day.
Hardly an anecdote that would make the cut at the Mardi Gras World which celebrates everything Fat Tuesday.
And we dare say Blaine Kern, New Orleans’ Mr Mardi Gras ever since Depression days, would have had something to say to me.
Build your own
MGW has been at the heart of the community for 40 years.
Picking you up on their free shuttle and giving float fans a tour for $29.95.
For an overview of the history of the festival before continuing through their float den.
Where artists work year-round to build spectacular floats and props.
Now if you have the time, and make some, then get the experts to teach you and make your own mini-float ($85).
With a two-hour group workshop an option to upgrade with food, wine, beer, and cocktails.
Let the mask slip
While MGW also offers a mask-making class with upgrades like food, wine, beer, and cocktails and/or a local jazz or Cajun band.
All of which feels like it has our names on it.
Having become immersed in New Orleans jazz and Sazerac culture at American Travel Fairs.
All major airlines fly to New Orleans.