Donald Page, Photographer

Mardi Gras '09

I will be 25 years old next month and out of the 24 Mardi Gras seasons that I have been alive for, I do believe that I have missed a maximum of 4 of them. I absolutely love Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Not so much for the things that it is most popular for - Beads, Parades, Wine, and Revelry - But for what it represents to The City of New Orleans.

New Orleans is one of the most unique cities on Earth and it is celebrated by the absolute celebration of a holiday that most people in the world dont even know is going on. It is a time unlike any other where the entire city may shut down and celebrate for the simple reason of just to celebrate.

While the holiday itself does have its roots and beginnings that still hold true, those parts of the holiday are only the tip of the iceberg to what really happens and I love every bit of it.

This particular year I spent time around the Krewe of Zulu, a predominantly black parade that was celebrating its 100 year anniversary of running. The festivities were very entertaining and showcased in true New Orleans style.