Despite Katrina's devastation,
Mardi Gras continues
Lauren Doxsey / Features Editor
The big celebration of Mardi Gras, held every year in New
Orleans, is still going on this week despite the devastation
caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
According to CNN, many citizens in the states affected by
Katrina feel as if the 2006 Mardi Gras festival is a slap in
the face. Many believe there is no reason for
celebration after the huge toll Katrina took on the many
houses, businesses and lives.
However, Elon students feel significantly different about
this subject matter.
"I think that Mardi Gras this year is a good way to get
New Orleans back onto its feet, both in terms of the money it
will bring as well as the sense of pride and tradition that
it brings to the city," sophomore Julie Kenneally said.
Mardi Gras is a week long party that originated in
France. During the days leading up to and following
"Fat Tuesday," several parades as well as parties
are held throughout the city of New Orleans.
"I believe that this year's celebration will be
good for the economy of New Orleans as well as increase the
tourism. It will also bring good morale to the people
hurt by Katrina," sophomore Jamie Warnken said.
This year's Mardi Gras is a bittersweet festival and
nevertheless, to some Katrina victims, the celebration this
year is regarded in poor taste.
Some believe other issues, such as basic human needs, should
be addressed before the city can have something to celebrate
about.
"Mardi Gras is a fun time and this year it will remind
it's citizens of how life was before the hurricane,"
Kenneally said. "It will give them something fun to take
their mind off of things for a while."
Yet the majority of Lousiana's citizens can safely say
that a year without Mardi Gras is similar to a year without
Christmas.
Mardi Gras is a large tradition famous to the city of New
Orleans and regretting to celebrate this holiday could
possibly only bring more somberness to those hurt by
Hurricane Katrina.
Bourbon Street has been filled with excitement since the
beginning of Mardi Gras and CNN has reported that the
numerous celebrations have already boosted business, and
continues to be promising for the state of Louisiana.
Mardi Gras continues to be celebrated in full effect,
including the norm of early-morning drinking, the wearing of
ridiculous costumes and throwing out purple, green and yellow
colored beaded necklaces.
However, there are still reminders of Hurricane
Katrina's catastrophe.
Crowds have been smaller this year compared to past years.
Even with all the chaos associated with this holiday, support
for the Katrina victims and New Orleans continues to flow
strongly.
Contact Lauren Doxsey at pendulum@elon.edu or
278-7247.
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Photo Courtesy of KRT Campus