Mardi Gras In Calcasieu Parish: A Pictorial History Summary
Author Nola Mae Wittler Ross wrote a passage in the book “Mardi Gras in Calcasieu Parish: A Pictorial History” which quoted a man who talks about the Mardi Gras run tradition. Years ago, men over the age of 16 rode a horse and wore a costume which were usually a pair of old overalls with colorful patches. With a gunny sack around their shoulders, they would wear purple, green, and gold masks that completely covered their head. No one could tell who the riders were because they would switch horses and had on masks. The only person that was recognizable was the captain because he had to lead the group without a mask on. While in the country, the group would go door to door asking people if they wanted Mardi Gras. Most people wanted Mardi Gras
so the men would sing and dance while an accordion and fiddle player played the music. The captain would then ask for a donation to put into the gumbo whether it was a chicken or guinea. The men would do the same thing to other houses until evening. After gathering all their loot the men would bring it to the wives at the church or school. Once the gumbo was done it would be sold and the money would go to the church or school. The kind of Mardi Gras run that was described would be an example of the ones that took place through the 50s and earlier. But times have changed and the Mardi Gras run is different. The run has turned into a trail ride because their are no country roads. Gumbo ingredients have to be picked up from the grocery because their are no farmers to give away chicken. Musicians are scarce so the men have to carry around a music player and alcohol is consumed more than what they used to be. The Krewe de l’ Bon Temps of Westlake has a courir or run every year because they want to bring back the traditional Mardi Gras run which was a popular event in early years. I like this source because it talks about a different part of Louisiana during Mardi Gras season. Almost everyone knows about the Mardi Gras events that happen in New Orleans but Calcasieu Parish is different. Although the book was published in 1991, I think it is still a good and credible source. I can use the passage in my paper by talking about something new that most people do not know about. I can share some information about the tradition that was once celebrated each year in the country but later died out.
so the men would sing and dance while an accordion and fiddle player played the music. The captain would then ask for a donation to put into the gumbo whether it was a chicken or guinea. The men would do the same thing to other houses until evening. After gathering all their loot the men would bring it to the wives at the church or school. Once the gumbo was done it would be sold and the money would go to the church or school. The kind of Mardi Gras run that was described would be an example of the ones that took place through the 50s and earlier. But times have changed and the Mardi Gras run is different. The run has turned into a trail ride because their are no country roads. Gumbo ingredients have to be picked up from the grocery because their are no farmers to give away chicken. Musicians are scarce so the men have to carry around a music player and alcohol is consumed more than what they used to be. The Krewe de l’ Bon Temps of Westlake has a courir or run every year because they want to bring back the traditional Mardi Gras run which was a popular event in early years. I like this source because it talks about a different part of Louisiana during Mardi Gras season. Almost everyone knows about the Mardi Gras events that happen in New Orleans but Calcasieu Parish is different. Although the book was published in 1991, I think it is still a good and credible source. I can use the passage in my paper by talking about something new that most people do not know about. I can share some information about the tradition that was once celebrated each year in the country but later died out.