Mardi Gras is a time to spend with family

Mardi Gras officially kicks off this weekend in St. Charles Parish, with the Krewe of Lul and the Krewe of Des Allemands rolling down the streets with plenty of good throws for the waiting crowds.

The Krewe of Lul will have 29 floats this Saturday in their 32nd parade, which will begin at noon. The Krewe of Des Allemands will roll at 2 p.m. on Sunday with 15 floats. It will be the 14th parade for that group.

Mardi Gras arrived in North America as a sedate French Catholic tradition with the Le Moyne brothers, Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville and Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville. The two had been sent to defend France's claim on the territory of Louisiane in the late 17th century.

The expedition, led by d’Iberville, entered the mouth of the Mississippi River on the evening of March 2, 1699, which was Lundi Gras. The party proceeded upstream to a place on the west bank about 60 miles downriver from where New Orleans is today.

They made camp there on Mardi Gras day on March 3, 1699.
Since that time, Mardi Gras has been a time of celebration, which is especially true in St. Charles Parish. For two straight days, residents in the parish get to experience the fun and enchantment that floats, beads, marching bands, dancers and pageant queens bring to the young and old alike.

But Mardi Gras isn't just about all that.

Instead, it's a time for families to gather together and spend time with one another, just like the Le Moyne brothers did so long ago.  So, while you’re fighting for beads and pushing through crowds, just try to relish the time spent with your family and the memories that the event will bring.