They know how to make gumbo and such better than anyone, but I’m sure the residents of Nawwlins don’t have a lockdown on parties and parades. What other cities throw themselves a big ol’ bash on Fat Tuesday?
I’m aware of the Carnival celebration down in Brazil, of course. What else is out there?
Years ago when I was at UT-Austin (hook 'em!) there was a parade downtown, featuring way more naked boobies than you’d expect for the Bible Belt. (Ah, Austin.) But one of my last years of undergrad something went sour - all I remember was a random bystander in the crowd permanently blinded by police shooting beanbags, which was the height of violence and depravity for a lil college town - and they shut down all downtown festivities the following year (s?) I don’t know if Austin does anything for Fat Tuesday now.
The Soulard neighborhood in St. Louis has a big Mardi Gras celebration. I’ve only been to the Wiener Dog Parade (all dogs welcome), but plenty of inebriation and public urination during the rest of the events, according to my coworker who lives down there.
I was going to suggest this. I’ve been a couple of times and had a lot of fun. I think last year they closed it down earlier than I was expecting, so you might check the schedules. But it’s a good time if you’re looking for a crush of people getting hammered at cool bars, with good music.
If Bill Wharton (aka The Sauce Boss) is performing nearby we spend the night with him. He plays blues music and in between songs he makes a huge pot of gumbo on stage. Everyone in attendance is welcome to go onstage and stir the pot. At the end of the night, everyone eats.
This year, we are attending a Fat Tuesday food-beer pairing at Hartwood Restaurant.
1st Course – Creole Pho Bowl
Shrimp Dumpling, Beef Broth, Poached Egg, Pickled Carrot
Beer – Voodoo White Magic of the Sun
2nd Course – Smoked Duck Sausage
Dirty Rice and Duck Étouffée Sauces
Beer – Voodoo Gran Met
3rd Course – Pan Roasted Quail
Savory Trinity Jam, Grits
Beer – Voodoo Wynona’s Big Brown Ale
4th Course – King Cake Beignets
Rum Cherry Syrup, Whipped Cream
Beer – Voodoo Love Child
ETA: VooDoo Brewing is a craft brewery in Meadville, PA.
