Throw me something, mister! Celebrate Mardi Gras in Atlanta
Beads, King Cake, Krewes… hearing these words can only mean one thing – it’s Mardi Gras time! In New Orleans, the parades have begun and the excitement is no doubt flowing like the drinks on Bourbon Street. But you don’t have to travel to The Big Easy to experience the fun and fanfare of Mardi Gras – you can do it right here in Atlanta! Get your Mardi Gras on at one (or both!) of these great events.
Mardi Gras at Parish Food & Goods in Inman Park’s N. Highland Steel neighborhood– Saturday, February 18, 11am-4pm
For just $40 ($35 if you get your ticket in advance), you’ll enjoy all-you-can-eat crawfish & oysters, traditional red beans & rice, homemade king cake, Abita beer and of course a live New Orleans band at the 4thAnnual Mardi Gras celebration at Parish Restaurant. These folks serve delicious Creole-inspired food year-round, so they know how to do Mardi Gras right. Call and reserve your ticket now at 404-681-4434 to save $5.
Mardi Gras Music & Food Fest at Park Tavern- Saturday, February 18, 3pm-2am
Want to continue the Mardi Gras celebration into the night? After you eat yourself silly at Parish, head over to Park Tavern on the edge of Piedmont Park to continue the celebration until 2:00am! Enjoy music from 5 bands , more great New Orleans-style food, hurricane drinks, and a crawfish eating & costume contest! The fun begins at 3:00pm on February 18. Tickets are $20, but you can get them for $10 just by entering the promo code “parktavern” when you purchase online.
We of course hope it’s a sunny day for both of these events, but rest assured they will both have tents to make sure the fun and revelry happens rain or shine.
However you decide to celebrate Mardi Gras, you’ll want to know some of the basic terminology.
· Krewes –Membership organizations that put on Mardi Gras parades and balls each year
· Doubloons – Coins thrown by Mardi krewes from parade floats
· King Cake – This cake enjoyed during Mardi Gras is covered in the holiday’s traditional yellow, green and purple-colored sprinkles.
· Fat Tuesday – “Mardi Gras” is French for Fat Tuesday, and represents the practices of eating rich fatty foods before the fasting of the Lenten season
You're now officially ready to “Laissez les bons temps rouler!” That's French for your last lesson, "Let the good times roll!"
