According to Wipedia, Mardi gras is French for Fat Tuesday, referring to the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday.
We had our own carnivale right here at The Resort in Mesa, Arizona.
Who knew?
Residents staked out their spots early to watch the festive Mardi Gras parade, and lawn chairs could be seen lining the streets of Clubhouse Boulevard.
The parade was set to snake up the north side of the boulevard and then around and down the south side. We sat on the south side and we could hear the parade approach around the corner, heading our way.
The excitement grew.
And then, there they came. Led, naturally, by the American flag. All stood up, removed their caps and saluted, as protocol for any decent, upstanding parade. The Canadian flag was also proudly carried as there are many snowbirds here from Canada.
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| The flag procession down South Clubhouse Boulevard. |
The flag procession was followed by not one, not two, not three but five golf carts. All bedecked with mask cutouts, beads, crepe paper and balloons.
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| The decorations weren't what made this cart special, but the women's faces were painted and their costumes were wonderful. |
And, of course, what would any parade be without candy being thrown out onto the street? We collected at least five Starburst candies, a few Tootsie Rolls and a necklace or two. Such a haul we made.
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| In costume, throwing candy and honking, were our favorite clowns, Betty (left) and Thelma (right). |
Thelma is our neighbor across the street and is the most fun-loving person around. Always game for a parade or a party. There are usually several golf carts gathered around her home, sometimes late into the evening, and we know there are laughs and good times going on inside.
One of these days, we'll crash the party and see for ourselves....
In the meantime, a good time was had today right here at The Resort, with our very own Carnivale.
And as Mardi Gras tradition dictates, we'll be having pancakes for supper.
