This begins a series of posts on Mardi Gras 2013 in New Orleans. The first event of Mardi Gras is now the street car ride of the Phunny Phorty Phellows (PPP). As their web site writes, The first version of thee group started in 1878. “The new group followed the Rex parade with their agreement. The first appearance of the PPP was a surprise to the public, and though modest in comparison with future displays, it created a sensation. Fantastic themes depicted by bizarre floats and grotesque maskers thrilled the public after the more pretentious parade headed by the King of Carnival and a live Boeuf Gras corralled on a rolling platform.”
“The modern organization was revived in 1981 by a small group of friends and Mardi Gras enthusiasts. It has continued without interruption to the present day. The PPP paraded with the Krewe of Clones from 1981 until 1986. In 1982 we also began a tradition of riding the streetcar line (in a streetcar) and proclaiming the arrival of the Carnival season on Twelfth Night.”
The PPP starts at the Willow Street streetcar barn right near my home. So we went over there to see them off. Here is what we saw. At the bottom is a painting I did based a several of the photos.
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