February 13, 2015
Dear Tulane Community:
It is finally here – my very first Mardi Gras!
I am still learning that a "float" is not an ice cream soda, "throw" is a noun, Mardi Gras Indians wear "suits" and Carnival organizations are called krewes.
Luckily, I have a dedicated crew (krewe) of my own in the president's office bringing me up to speed on everything from beads to Boeuf Gras. There will also be many Tulanians on the routes and riding in the parades (see video below) to help me along. This includes our Tulane Marching Band, which will march in the Krewe d'Etat, Bacchus and Rex parades.
Our Tulane police will be on the parade routes, as well, protecting students both on and off-campus. Even a Mardi Gras newbie like me knows that a celebration as large as Carnival requires an extra effort by all of us to keep everyone safe.
Please practice courtesy, responsible legal-age drinking, respect for yourself and others, as well as all these other Mardi Gras safety tips. Doing so will ensure that this year's celebration is memorable for all the right reasons.
Happy Mardi Gras and laissez les bon temps rouler!
