Les Bons Temps. 2/7/2010.
The enthusiasm in this city can be infectious. Carnival hits
high gear this week with multiple parades every day. There are a total of 65
parades starting on the feast of the Epiphany and ending on fat Tuesday the
day before Ash Wednesday. This year they added an extra parade on Tuesday
after the Supper Bowl. The city will celebrate the football team win or
lose. Geaux Saints!
Folklore states that Mardi Gras started with the LeMoyne
brothers Iberville and Bienville. (1)King Louis XIV sent the brothers to defend
the territory of Louisiana. They found the mouth of the Mississippi River on
March 3, 1699, Mardi Gras of that year. They made camp, named the spot Point
d'Mardi Gras and started a spontaneous celebration.
We are fortunate to live near the Uptown parade route, only
3 blocks from Lee Circle where the parades come by. The first one is Oshun.
(1)This krewe, participant or the parade, honors
Oshun, the goddess of religion practiced by descendants of West Africa
Yoruba slaves in Brazil, Haiti and Cuba. Oshun represents fountains, love
and wealth, and married Shango, lord of lightning, war and virility.
(1) From The Times-Picayune
