Mardi Gras 2023
Photo by Dung “Donkey” Nguyen.
Tremé - New Orleans, LA.
I typically cover the Red Flame Hunters on Mardi Gras day but due to funding issues, they had to take the year off. My friend (who manages the RFH) suggested we check out some early morning Mardi Gras activities since we’re free.
The day starts when I receive a text message from my friend at 3:00AM. First on the list, The Northside Skull and Bone Gang at 5:00AM.
4:47AM
Tremé - Northside Skull and Bone Gang
It was surprisingly crowded considering the time. I never checked out the Skull and Bone Gang before since its so early in the day. Definitely worth catching them at least once.
6:22AM
Lower Garden District, Commander’s Palace - Pete Fountain’s Half-Fast Walking Club
A good friend of ours was part of the club so we decided to visit him before they start walking their route to the French Quarter. A song by Pete Fountain catches my ear and I was able to identify it as “Little Girl” but it seems like it’s only available in physical formats. We walk with them for a couple of blocks before leaving to get some breakfast.
9:25AM
Marigny & Bywater
After breakfast, we pick up a friend and head over to the Marigny and Bywater to check out all the costumes.
10:57AM
French Quarter - Bourbon Street & Jackson Square
We make our way through Bourbon Street to do more people (and dog) watching then loop back around to Jackson Square to meet up with the friend that was walking with Pete Fountain’s Half-Fast Walking Club.
12:47
French Quarter - One Eyed Jacks 2nd Floor Balcony
We stop by One Eyed Jacks to visit a friend who happens to work there. I take a few photos from the 2nd floor balcony before heading back inside to take a quick nap on the couch.
4:11PM - 7:00PM
Marigny - French Quarter
At this point, things start to wind down and my friend decides to go home. I continue on for a bit more — running into a handful of friends and taking a few more photos. I finally call it quits around 7:00PM.
All photos copyright Dung “Donkey” Nguyen.
