COSTUME STORES AND COSTUME SHOPS ARE PREPARING FOR MARDI GRAS

by Michael Davidson)

Once again, it’s time for the magic and mystery of Mardi Gras. With roots in pagan ritual and coinciding with the Christian Easter, Mardi Gras is a celebration steeped in tradition. New Orleans is the capitol of Mardi Gras merriment, and this year Mardi Gras and the Super Bowl will be particularly festive as the New Orleans Saints are in the playoffs. Party givers have hit the jackpot this February. Whichever team you root for, a party combining traditional foods, colors, and costumes of Mardi Gras can’t help but be a winner. Mardi Gras parties are built around everyone having a good time; “let it all hang out” before Lent. There are so many images of Mardi Gras and its traditions. Mardi Gras parties will be punctuated by traditional jazz music, opulent colors of purple, green, and gold, the incredibly rich and luscious food, and of course the marvelous costumes. Depending on your style and how outgoing your fiends are, Mardi Gras attire can range from a simple mask to full out costumes. Traditionally, the costumes served to disguise the “common folk”, who ridiculed the rich, educated, and religious leaders during this celebration. Rex, the king of Mardi Gras, began his “reign” in 1872, and functioned as amoral booster after the Civil War; his motto, Pro Bono Publico, for the public good continues today. This is a great excuse to dress up as kings and queens or whatever your fantasy. Mardi Gras themed costumes are available at various online costume shops. There is an easy to access costume shop locator to find the Costumes Stores near you. The Nationwide Chain of Costume Shops carries a complete line of masks and costumes. A great idea is to include this website in your party invitations. This way, your guest can easily pick and choose the costume they want wear to your Mardi Gras event. Go online to find the spiciest recipes, pull out your best jazz CD’s, and the party is on. Mardi Gras theme parties are not complete without King Cake and the bawdy decorations. You can conveniently order, online at Halloween Costume Shops, everything you need to turn your home into a Mardi Gras extravaganza, for example, you can order wall add-ons to replicate the French Quarter complete with street lights and signs. Combine sports and tradition to have one huge bash. Add a bunch of shinny beads and throw a party!