Mardi Gras 2009: Despite Recession, Big Easy Lets the Good Times Roll, Still Attracts a Crowd
You’d never know there was a recession from the sheer numbers—and sheer enthusiasm—of the revelers at New Orleans’ Mardi Gras this year.
It’s estimated that nearly one million people spilled into the city’s streets and squares during Fat Tuesday 2009, the week-long celebration which culminates today in a blur of parades, balls and beads.
Though the number of visitors is slightly lower than in past years and three of the 49 parades were canceled, the turnout was surprisingly strong considering the depth of the economic downturn.
Well, it’s actually not that surprising if you put the carnival in its socio-economic context— what better way to forget your problems and sorrows than to drown them in a haze of alcohol and parties?
“The worse the economy gets, the more successful Mardi Gras is,” said Staci Rosenberg, captain of the Krewe of Muses, an all-female parade organization. “People view it as such a critical part of their mental health, such an integral part of their tradition. They won’t let it go easily.”
Don’t miss Fat Tuesday 2009: A Guide to Mardi Gras in New Orleans and Beyond.
Mardi Gras has weathered worse times than what we are currently experiencing. After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 the parades continued to roll on, albeit in the dry parts of town. And during the Great Depression, when the nation was arguably in much worse shape than it is now, only one Mardi Gras parade was cancelled.
The fact that it doesn’t cost anything to view the parades, fireworks and concerts at least partly explains the carnival’s continued popularity.
The real cost of Mardi Gras is borne by those who put on the parades. But despite the million-dollar plus price tag for floats, beads and costumes, krewe members report that participation this year is at an all-time high, and even rising.
For example, both the Krewe of Centaur and the Krewe of Sobek have seen membership grow over the past year, notwithstanding costs that can amount to more than $1,000 per member per year, not including annual dues.
This year members have had to stump up more funds from their own pockets as corporate sponsorship has declined somewhat. One krewe that normally raises about $10,000 from sponsorships only managed to bring in between $5,000 and $6,000 this year.
Authorities estimate that hotels will see more than 90 percent occupancy during the week. During past years hotels have been sold out, but the slight dip this year is not expected to significantly impact the revenues the carnival brings in.
Mardi Gras is an extremely important source of tourism dollars for New Orleans. In past years it has generated more than $1 billion in income for the city and surrounding towns.
Related links: USA Today, US News & World Report, Shreveport Times, KATC, Associated Press
By Karen Elowitt for PeterGreenberg.com.
Don’t miss Fat Tuesday 2009: A Guide to Mardi Gras in New Orleans and Beyond.
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