I was lucky enough this past weekend to have had to opportunity to celebrate the holy grail of all holidays, Mardi Gras. Even before we embarked on the God-forsaken twelve hour car ride to New Orleans from Charleston, I had dozens of questions about the parade.

What would it be like? Is everyone really drunk all the time? Where can I find some of this King Cake? Can I be in the parade? Are open-container laws really as awesome as everyone says they are?

Will I really have to flash someone to get beads (and is that a bad thing....jk jk) ???????????

And when I arrived, I had EVEN MORE questions than I did before. Nothing was what I thought it would be like in the historic city.  Yes, open-container laws were awesome, and yes, EVERYONE took advantage of them.  I'd never seen so many drunk adults in such a consolidated area!  It was amazing to see everyone come together and the city quite literally shut down to celebrate this holiday.  Every time I had a question, however, it seemed that no one could give me a straight answer.  The traditions of Mardi Gras had been embedded in the city and its inhabitants for so long that no one really understood what it meant.

It was refreshing to learn that each person in each float in each parade on each day of Mardi Gras had a purpose that dated back to Roman times.  The religious value that Mardi Gras focuses on no longer takes precedent, but you can definitely notice it as an outsider looking in.  Being from Delaware, I had obviously heard of Mardi Gras before, but had never been so immersed into it in that way.  I loved the spirit the locals had for the holiday; nothing was taken lightly.

Every parade was very serious, and apparently there are very strict rules for those riding on the floats. 

WHO KNEW? Not me, that's for sure.

If you get the chance before you graduate, and definitely before you die, FOR SURE go to Mardi Gras.  It's great seeing the holiday in action, and Bourbon Street does definitely not disappoint.