SATURDAY - FEBRUARY 23, 2008
Mardi Gras is an annual celebration that takes place each February in Louisiana
for a two and a half week period ending with Fat Tuesday and the beginning
of Lent. All across Louisiana, Mardi Gras traditions are celebrated differently
depending on one's location and background.
In
New Orleans, Mardi Gras Krewes (social clubs) host
lavish costume balls and grand parades with massive
floats. In Cajun country, bands of costumed revelers
ride horseback through the countryside gathering
chickens and other ingredients for a community
gumbo to be served at the Mardi Gras fais-do-do
and Zydeco clubs during an evening of eating, drinking
and dancing.
Here
in Rhode Island, our Annual Cajun & Zydeco
Mardi Gras Ball held in collaboration with Lagniappe
Productions brings together a sampling of these
traditions for a costumed evening of Cajun & Creole
music, dance and food that also benefits VSA arts
of Rhode Island. Each year people come dressed
in every style imaginable, attending in full costume
or formal wear and masks, and prizes are awarded
to the best costumes in a variety of categories.
For
over 12 years this event, held at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet
in Cranston, has featured many of Louisiana's best
bands including Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys,
Geno Delafose & French Rockin' Boogie, Nathan
& the Zydeco Cha Chas and Leroy Thomas & the
Zydeco Roadrunners.
So come share in the joie de vivre....we encourage
everyone to get into the Mardi Gras spirit and "Laissez
les bon temps rouler!" (Let the good times roll!)
For more details go to: www.mardigrasri.com
