Lundi Gras, French for "Fat Monday," is the day before Mardi Gras in New Orleans. It serves as the grand kickoff to the final day of Mardi Gras celebrations. The history of Lundi Gras is closely tied to the traditions of Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
The concept of Lundi Gras was popularized by the city's famous "Rex" Krewe in 1987. The Rex organization decided to revive the tradition of celebrating the arrival of the Rex King (the monarch of Mardi Gras) with a grand event on the day before Fat Tuesday. This event, known as Lundi Gras, has since become an integral part of the Mardi Gras festivities in New Orleans.
Lundi Gras celebrations typically include a variety of events, such as parades, concerts, and riverfront festivities. One of the highlights of Lundi Gras is the arrival of the Rex King, who arrives in New Orleans by boat along the Mississippi River. The Rex King is greeted with much fanfare and ceremony, including a riverfront procession and the symbolic handing over of the city's keys by the mayor.
In addition to the arrival of the Rex King, Lundi Gras often features live music performances, food vendors, and fireworks displays. It's a day for locals and visitors alike to come together and enjoy the final moments of revelry before the solemnity of Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent.
Overall, Lundi Gras serves as a festive precursor to the main event of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, providing an additional day of excitement and celebration for all to enjoy.
Comments(9)