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New Orleans traditions spice up the desert

By Lauren Eichenauer
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Tuesday Feb. 12, 2002
Illustration by Josh Hagler

Break out your beads, because tonight Tucson gets decked out in green, gold and purple, taking on the sensational New Orleans tradition of Mardi Gras celebration.

The holiday is usually observed with carnival-like flair in the United States, most notoriously in New Orleans, La., as well as in many parts of the world.

The term Mardi Gras means "Fat Tuesday" in French. The century-old custom takes place anytime between Feb. 3 and March 9 each year.

According to howstuffworks.com, Fat Tuesday is actually the commencement of festivities beginning Jan. 6 in New Orleans, and brings half a billion dollars to the town's local economy each year.

And according to soulofamerica.com, Fat Tuesday marks the last carnival before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the 45 days of Lent in the Catholic religion.

The first torch-lit parade celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans was in 1857, and since then the city has conducted at least 1,800 parades for the occasion, the Web site explained.

"I would never freeze my ass off to see the Thanksgiving Day parade in New York, but I would definitely go to a Mardi Gras parade if I could find one," said management senior Brian Rainville.

University of Arizona students agree that while Mardi Gras is a much coveted party event, it is severely understated 'round these parts.

"I am from the East Coast and it is much more about the 'T & A' of Mardi Gras there," said Dan Coperich, a marketing junior. "I ask people around here where is good place to celebrate Mardi Gras, and they have no idea what I'm talking about."

Look no further kids - several Tucson vendors are offering their versions of Mardi Gras madness. From restaurants to bars to clubs, there is something for everyone hoping to catch some of this multinational tradition.

The French Quarter.

A bar and restaurant famous for its authentic year-round New Orleans ambience, The French Quarter be rockin' N'awlins style all day today. The holiday menu includes oysters on the half shell and a crawfish boil until 1 a.m. The restaurant will present six bands starting at 2 p.m. Party favors and beads are up for grabs. The restaurant is located at 3146 E. Grant Road, and the cover is $15 once the music starts.

Nonie.

Located at 2526 E. Grant Road, Nonie another New Orleans-style favorite restaurant. They also offer a Mardi Gras party tonight, with tables on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 5 p.m. Cuisine includes a crawfish boil and King Cake (a Fat Tuesday tradition). The Fluffingtons provide dancing music beginning at 6 p.m.

Trident.

A new bar and grill located at 2033 E. Speedway Blvd., Trident offers possibly one of the most extensive Creole menus in Tucson this week. Open from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., the kitchen will cook up crawfish cakes, gumbo, pan-seared blackened catfish, jambalaya, breadfish and more.

Maloney's.

Located at 213 N. Fourth Ave., Maloney's is partnering up with its next-door neighbor, 8 Traxx, to hold a Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball. The party begins at 8:30 p.m. and will have an endless supply of beads and giveaways and drink specials until closing time. Cover is $5.

"For religious (Catholic) people out there, it's your last chance to go crazy and have a good time," said Bryan Locker, general manager of Maloney's. "We'll have 100 pounds of beads."

O'Malley's.

Located at 247 N. Fouth Ave., O'Malley's presents a shindig tonight with a live remote broadcast by local station 104.1 The Point beginning at 8. The cover is $5 with drink specials from 7 p.m. till close along with local brass band Crawdaddy-O at 10 p.m.

The Kingfisher Bar and Grill.

Located at 2564 E. Grant Road, Kingfisher is serving up an entirely Cajun/Creole dinner menu, giving out masks as well as beads and will feature two live bands: Tucson Old Pueblo Jazz Band from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Black Leather Zydecco from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Various other establishments celebrating Mardi Gras with live DJs, drink specials and giveaways tonight include Guido's Bar and Grill at 424 N. Fourth Ave., The Shelter at 4155 E. Grant Road, and Gentle Ben's Brewing Co. at 865 E. University Blvd.

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