Mardi Gras is BIG on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
- Flags of purple, gold, and green; beads, lights, and of course, wreaths adorn both inside and outside of residences.
- Women in fancy formal gowns, accompanied by men in dashing tuxedos, make their way to a series of soirees and coronation balls, paid for by the “krewe king.”
- Parades with floats and plenty of “throws” (beads, paper flowers, doubloons, small stuffed animals, plastic drinking cups, etc.) wind down city streets while people watch, their hands outstretched and their voices hoarse from yelling, “Throw me something, Mister!”
- Kids get out of school.
- And many adults get the day off.
Sadly, we weren’t in Gulfport long enough to photograph a parade, nor was I invited to one of those balls, but I did manage to capture some doors for you.
Which do you like best, and why?
Door #1
Door #2
Door #3
Door #4
Door #5
Door #6
Door #7
Door #8
Door #9
Door #10
Door #11
Door #12
Door #13
Door #14
Happy Mardi Gras, everyone!
Musings by an ND Domer's Mom 
Door #2, definitely. Isn’t #4 scary?
Ooh, you’re so right, Professor — Door #4 is scary! I never have liked clowns, mimes, harlequin-things, all that, so hanging one on my door wouldn’t be an option!
I so agree! And what’s more, I bet Dallas feels the same way. How’s he doing, btw?
He’s sleeping right now, so I imagine he’s having doggie dreams! I don’t recall his ever seeing a real clown. I imagine he’d bark at one. How about your precious fur?
Well, my big black shepherd is just a little over a year old. So he barks at anything that surprises him!
Oh Debbie…how FUN and FESTIVE!
I think my favorites are #’s 8, 9, and 11 because I like the ‘garland’ effect around the door frame. Also, I love the colors!
Happy Mardi Gras, my friend!
X
Thanks, Ron. I like the garlands, too. I’m not sure how these folks put them up (maybe they leave hooks or nails up year-round?), but what a festive welcome for their guests! I appreciate your playing along and hope your Fat Tuesday is FUN!
I liked door number 1 or 9. Purple just screams Mardi Gras too me. Years (many) we signed a television station on in NOLA during Mari Gras and went to a ball. I was impromptu and unfortunately my fairy godmother did not show up but despite being underdressed I was welcomed like only the South can welcome you and had a wonderful time. Fat Tuesday, ash Wednesday,,,and then a reflective period …I’m ready.
You went to a Mardi Gras Ball?? What fun! I never have, though I have ridden on a float and tossed beads to the crowds — loved that, too! You’re right — dress isn’t too important when you’re welcomed with Southern hospitality. I understand it’s rainy and cold down South today, but I don’t imagine it will be allowed to interfere with the festivities!
Debbie, I love, love 9 the best. But I also love 5 and 1. Purple is my favorite color and I like how understated these are. Which is your favorite?
I like purple, too, Monica. Number 9 seems to be a universal favorite, though I must admit I’m leaning toward #12. It’s got the beautiful colors, a Fleur-de-lis, and is topped with a festive bow. Best of all, it DOESN’T have any of those clown faces or mimes, or whatever they call them, ha!
I love architectural photography, especially doors and windows, and I love the colors of Mardi Gras. It’s hard to pick a favorite here. If pressed, maybe a toss-up between #9 and #13.
Do you know what the bag is that’s hanging on #2? I’m fascinated.
Thanks for dropping by to vote, Hipster. Everybody seems to like #9! As to the bag hanging on #2, your guess is as good as mine. I just know that every day when Darling Doggie Dallas and I walked past that house, the bag was hanging there. Even during Christmas. If I’d have been braver, I’d have gone to check! Or at least asked the homeowners when I went by. There’s probably a logical answer, but my writer’s imagination can see all kinds of weird things inside, ha!
Fun post! Mardis Gras isn’t big in Arizona, but I did see some of the preparations when I visited New Orleans a couple years ago.
I like 1 and 9 because they are more understated than some of the others (and purple is my favorite color!) I also think 14 is pretty, but the colors don’t say “Mardis Gras” to me… I could see this as a Christmas decoration as well.
Point well stated, Janna. In fact, I think I see a poinsettia or two on #14, don’t you? I like the rich dark purple of Mardi Gras, but I LOVE the greens. I thought you might remember NOLA with this post — did you pick up any beads or doubloons while you were there?!
Galveston’s not NOLA, but we have a fine celebration, too. But I must say – I’ve never seen door decorations. Sometimes flags, always lots of decorations in restaurants and such, and of course the fabulous parades – but nothing on the doors. Do they do that in NOLA, too? or is it a Mississippi thing?
I have a hard time picking favorites with so many beautiful doors, but I’m with you on not being fond of the clowns, harlequins and such. Anything with green, purple and gold is fine with me – including the King Cakes.
Ah, King Cakes — a perennial favorite. They ship them worldwide, you know, and it’s a booming business, at least at this time of year.
As to whether NOLA does door decorations, too — I’m not sure. I really didn’t notice any when I was there, but it was Christmas season and thus a tad early. In Mississippi, however, wreaths are BIG business. Most, I imagine, are store-bought, judging from the elaborate nature. I used to read a blog by a girl from NOLA, and she posted Mardi Gras pictures — they even had beads draping from their wrought-iron fences, ha!
I didn’t know about the wreath tradition at Mardi Gras. How charming!!
They do inside and outside, Jann — I guess everybody wants to get into the spirit of the season. Thanks, as always, for dropping by!
Wow, I never dreamed that even the doors dress up for Mardi Gras. Makes me want join the party.
Me, too, Pat! They have a HUGE Mardi Gras store, where you can buy all sorts of decorations. We got about a six-foot decorative tree there one year, and it really helped to bridge the gap between Christmas and Easter!
Oh my! How much fun is all this? I love it and love that they are all so festive. I think Door #11 is my favorite. Party on!
Nice choice, Barb. I particularly love the colors of Mardi Gras — so rich and inviting! It’s a nice way (if a bit decadent!) to prepare for the somberness of Lent, too.
I like #9 but… I see so do many others. Must be a girl thing…draping. I believe we #9’s are romantic’s and watch the hallmark channel a lot. I do! Love this unique blog today!
Thank you, Tanya. #9 might be my second choice. I, too, love the draping — AND the fact that there doesn’t seem to be any of those clowns and masks, which frankly terrify me, ha!