I've visited the Mississippi Gulf Coast during Mardi Gras twice, both before and after Hurricane Katrina. Based on my observations, the storm failed to dampen locals' enthusiasm for Mardi Gras festivities. Whether you're discovering Mardi Gras traditions for the first time or celebrating for the umpteenth time, the Mississippi Gulf Coast delivers memorable fun.
The Mardi Gras parade in Biloxi/Gulfport is family-friendly. In these Mississippi cities on the day before Lent, you’re far less likely to find anyone strolling down the street sporting only body paint than might be true in New Orleans. That's not to say you won't have fun--unless you're a complete sourpuss, you will!--just that it's generally worry-free to bring the kids.
My first Mardi Gras experience took place in New Orleans as a college student. When I learned that the observers' goal during a Mardi Gras parade is to catch strands of plastic beads as they're thrown from passing floats I thought, "How weird. And dumb. Who cares?" But when standing among the crowd on the sidelines, the bead-catching spirit is contagious. It's impossible not to get involved in catching beads as a competitive sport. Add alchohol to the mix and the competition gets fierce. It's considered bad luck to pick beads up from the pavement--the objective is to "woo" a float rider with a come-on such as, "Throw me something, Mister!" and pluck beads flung in your direction from the air.
Years later, I've twice found myself on the bead-tossing end of that bead relationship as an invited guest aboard a Mardi Gras parade float with folks from the Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau. When tossing beads into a crowd, it's important to make eye-contact with intended catchers because otherwise the risk is that those folks become unwitting targets. And a slap across the face with a long string of plastic beads doesn't feel good.
In New Orleans, the odds of catching beads varies by parade (there are a number of Mardi Gras parades in that city), but generally speaking you'll probably catch a few but not armloads of them. In Biloxi/Gulfport, you can easily walk away from the parade with boxes full of beads.
Among my observations from aboard the Mardi Gras float: Folks of all ages grin like children when catching beads. Some folks leap to great heights to make a grab. Some folks lazily lounge in folding chairs and point to a box at their feet, suggesting that we toss beads into the box for them. (This approach doesn't work with me; I toss beads only at folks who are at least willing to stand and catch unless they're wheelchair bound.) Some children cry when their siblings get beads when they do not. Some children share their bounty with their siblings. Some people feign bead poverty as a way to woo bead tossers; after catching beads they then reveal their large stash. Some folks wave to attract attention, others wave to suggest beads be tossed in another direction. More often than not, people at a Mardi Gras parade smile.
Beads vary by float. Purple, green and gold are the traditional colors of Mardi Gras so several strands of beads boast that color scheme in various combinations. But there's a rainbow of colors, varied strand lengths, bead diameters and shapes. Large-scale beads and specialty shapes are most coveted. Plastic coins, cups and other trinkets may also be tossed.
I've heard it said that you're not a true Southerner until you've got at least one large plastic storage bin full of Mardi Gras beads stored in your garage. I moved from Minnesota to Atlanta in 1998. I'm proud to say, by that definition and others, I am a bona fide Southerner.
If You Go…
Where To Stay...
Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
875 Beach Blvd.
Biloxi, MS 39530
228.386.7111
Beau Rivage re-opened on the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, all spiffed up after a $550 million renovation. At 32 stories and 3.2 million square feet, Beau Rivage is the tallest and largest building in Mississippi. It boasts 12 restaurants, four lounges and bars, 12 boutique shops, pool, spa and salon, theater and a state-of-the-art casino with 93 table games, 2,100 slot machines, 230 video poker games and a 16-table poker room. There’s also a high-roller area with 10 blackjack tables, 100 slot machines and a table that flips between roulette and baccarat.
What To Do…
Visit the Mardi Gras Museum.
View regional artwork at Shearwater Pottery, the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, and the Walter Anderson Museum of Art.
Guests of Beau Rivage can play at Fallen Oak Golf Club. Designed by Tom Fazio, the 18-hole, par-72 course boasts rolling greens, dramatic bunkers, thousands of trees and “five sets of tees for all levels of golf, from 7,486-yards to 5,300 yards,” says John Hurt, golf professional. “We try to make it as comfortable and slow-paced an environment as we can.” The facility also houses a driving range, short game range, and practice chipping, putting and sand areas.
More Information…
Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau
2350 Beach Blvd., Suite A
Biloxi MS 39531
228.896.6699
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