Happy Mardi Gras

If you want to understand why Mardi Gras means so much to New Orleanians, here’s an explanation. It’s from Ann Marie Coviello, who runs the Box of Wine walking parade that rolls down St. Charles Avenue ahead of Bacchus:

Mardi Gras is for “creating a world out of time, a leave of absence from the cares and grind of everyday existence, an opportunity to work as hard at having fun as we usually working at existing and to work even harder to transform ourselves into walking works of art, an investment in the power of friendship and the sacred community, and a chance to refresh ourselves so we are ready to go back to real life happier and more joyful."

So remember that today is not just Tuesday. It’s a day to take a leave of absence, if only for a moment, from everyday existence. Do something just for the joy of it today.

Happy Mardi Gras!