52 Year Mardi Gras Tradition

For New Orleans residents Mardi Gras is practically a religious experience. And we were fortunate enough to experience a 52 year Mardi Gras tradition at a block party following the Krewe of Tucks Parade.

52 Year Mardi Gras Tradition 

Every year, since the first block party on the Saturday before Mardi Gras in 1972, there has been a huge party. And from that very first party, New Orleans legend Deacon John and his band have entertained the block party guests.

Music by Deacon John

We were told by many party goers that Deacon John used to play at their high school dances. So when they planned the very first of these Mardi Gras parties, they asked him to perform. And he has showed up for them each year since. At 82 years old, he is still going strong. He and his band had us literally dancing in the street!!!

Deacon John Moore was born and raised in New Orleans.  He’s better known as Deacon John, and is a blues, rhythm and blues and rock and roll musician, singer, actor, and bandleader. He was given the name “Deacon” by one of his band members back in the day. At first he didn’t really like the moniker. He was afraid everyone would assume he was a gospel singer and would never get gigs. But his early reputation, and the prodding of a music promoter, helped him make the decision to keep it. He has been known as Deacon John ever since.

He’s been active on the New Orleans Rhythm and Blues scene since his teens. He worked as a session man on many hit recordings of the late 1950s and 1960s. His band The Ivories played at NOLA’s Dew Drop Inn and attracted a very enthusiastic following. Sometimes they even upstaged the visiting national acts they were hired to open for. He even appeared in three episodes of the TV series Treme.

In 2000 Deacon John Moore was inducted into the Louisiana Blues Hall of Fame.

Mardi Gras is serious business in NOLA

New Orleanians take Mardi Gras very seriously. Homes are decorated inside and out, adorned in purple, gold and green. Everywhere you look throughout the Crescent City you will see people in Mardi Gras colors, beginning in early January when Carnival starts. And the closer to Mardi Gras the crazier and more elaborate their outfits get.

I have to admit that Steve and I got totally caught up in the festivities. We went out and bought Mardi Gras T-shirts and I put on my most festive earring, necklace and bracelet. We were ready to PARTY.

Private house party in NOLA mansion

The 52 Year Mardi Gras Tradition was still going strong, but Holly, Paul, Steve and I were winding down and had worked up quite a thirst and appetite after the parade and then all of the dancing in the street. So we headed to the private house party about a block away for sustenance.

The house party was a happening place. Lots of people mingling and enjoying delicious New Orleans cuisine. After a cocktail or three we headed from the porch to the stunning formal dining room. The table was full of all sorts of goodies including a lovely pasta dish, jambalaya, hot dogs and the cutest miniature muffuletta; along with all sorts of decadent desserts. Yes. There was King Cake. But by the time we got there it was gone except for one teeny, tiny, cinnamony sliver that somehow ended up on my plate.

At that point our bellies were full and we were exhausted. We all headed home.

Our Mardi Gras loot

When we got back to Ladybug we dumped our 4 bags of parade loot on the bed. That’s when we realized just how much we had been able to catch from the passing Mardi Gras floats at the parade. It is also when we admitted that, if the good Lord is willing, we will be back next year for Mardi Gras and the 53rd Mardi Gras block party!!!