by Where To Go, What To Do And What To Consume On Fat Tuesday
Posted: 02/23/2009 02:25:18 PM PST
In America, February 24th is a special day. It gives us an excuse to party, look foolish, and take part in what has become a global tradition. Mardi Gras literally means “Fat Tuesday.” While Mardi Gras celebrations – in the form of parades, masquerades, and communal drinking — are observed for many days, Fat Tuesday is the final day where the festivities are celebrated the most. It’s also the day before Ash Wednesday, which is a holy day observed by Catholics to mark the beginning of Lent. Customarily, people would do all that they can to enjoy the final day before Lent kicks off. All the foods that were prohibited during Lent, would be consumed in gluttonous fashion. As such, people would throw parties and enjoy themselves before having to settle down for the 40-day duration of Lent.
Of course, time has a way of refining things. You don’t need to be Catholic to partake in the festivities, nor do you have to observe the original intent for Mardi Gras. Nowadays, all you have to do is have fun?! Yes, that’s right! However, there’s a whole lot to Mardi Gras than taking off your shirt, getting drunk, and making memories you’ll soon forget (only to remember years later in a picture that resurfaces out of nowhere). If all of that debauchery isn’t a requirement for you, and you’re looking to stay in the greater Los Angeles area, then here’s a simple guide of places to check out.
1. Farmer’s Market Mardi Gras Celebration
What better than to pair a festive tradition with a Los Angeles icon? Farmer’s market has been putting on their Mardi Gras celebration for the past 19 years, thus celebrating it’s 20th this year. You get all the traditional fare that you would expect from Mardi Gras — Cajun food, beer, zydeco music playing, and you can even take part in the bead-tossing. Throw in a pet parade and a costume contest, and you won’t be short of anything to do.
http://www.farmersmarketla.com/newsandevents/index.asp
2. Amoeba Records Mardi Gras Madness
Amoeba Records has become a beacon of cool music culture in Los Angeles, so it’s fitting to have one of the coolest celebrations hitting up L.A’s hottest spot. Enjoy the whole vibe of New Orleans-style Mardi Gras by coming to Amoeba Records. They’ll be having a DJ spin some New Orleans flavored music, with entertainment in the store and spilling onto the street.
http://www.amoeba.com/content/mardi_grass_2009.html
3. The Hideout’s Mardi Gras Celebration
If you’d like to get sauced up on little money, come to The Hideout in Santa Monica. They’re offering a New Orleans-style bar, and will be featuring Bacardi Hurricanes for the spirit of the occasion. They’re also sporting 1/2 off the price of well drinks, and beers.
http://www.santamonicahideout.com
4. Mr. T’s Bowl Mardi Gras Potluck
That’s right, the folks at Mr. T’s has been at it for the past 5 years, with a Mardi Gras potluck. If you’re all about the food, and you’re looking to either stay or go to Northeast LA, this is the place to partake in Mardi Gras festivities. There’s live music to keep your booty shakin’, as well as shakin’ those calories off.
http://mrtsbowl.tripod.com
http://www.myspace.com/mrtsbowl
5. Club 705’s Mardi Gras Party
Mardi Gras comes to the South bay. $20 at the door (or $15 prepaid) will get you 1 free well drink, a free Mardi Gras mask, music and dancing, and free parking.
It’s all about the beads during Mardi Gras, in New Orleans. Whoever has the most beads around their neck is the star of the evening. So in true Mardi Gras fashion, at Club 705, the person with the most beads by the end of the night will win an iPod nano. If you’re not a winner, so what? The evening’s festivities also feature a piñata. Beat on it to win free drink tickets, and other treats.
Other contests include a Sexy Banana Eating contest, for the ladies, and a Sexy Pie Eating contest, for the fellas.
http://noflakesingles.homestead.com
6. Uncle Darrow’s Cajun Creole: 9th Annual Mardi Gras West (February 28th)
If Tuesday is a no-go for you, come celebrate Fat Saturday at Uncle Darrow’s. If you feel like mixing in a good deed with your night of debauchery, consider going to Uncle Darrow’s in Venice. Money spent on food and drinks will help towards sending care packages to Afghanistan. Your presence will be in the company of live zydeco, jazz, and blues music playing all night long. And, of course, being a Cajun Creole restaurant, expect all the typical Cajun delicacies – such as crawfish, po’ boys, gumbo, and jambalaya – to be at your disposal.