Mardi Gras Festivities Leave the Streets of St. Louis Covered in Purple, Green, and Gold

Thousands gathered in the Soulard neighborhood of St. Louis on February 22, for the annual Mardi Gras parade, keeping the historic tradition of the holiday alive. The Bud Light Grand Parade began at 11 a.m., starting at Busch Stadium, proceeding through the streets of Soulard, and ending at Anheuser-Busch Brewery. The theme this year was “The Blues- Music, Hockey, Skies, Seas and more!” According to its website, over 10 million beads will be thrown and nearly 100 floats will drive along the parade route.

For many St. Louisans, they say the parade is the highlight of their year. Saint Louis University junior and hometown girl, Malia Fisher, said, “Mardi Gras is another one of those things that makes me so passionate about St. Louis. The energy and love for the city runs so deep.” Fisher emphasized her excitement when she sees people from all over the country and the world come to St. Louis to celebrate the last day before Lent.

The parade was a free event in which almost all are welcome, but safety is always important. Hundreds of police officers patrolled Soulard to prevent crime and keep attendees safe. SLU Housing and Residence Halls took extra measures to ensure students’ safety on Saturday. DeMattias Hall Coordinators sent residents important safety reminders and provided breakfast in the lobby starting at 6:30 a.m.

For many students who come from other places, Mardi Gras is not a tradition back home. They’re not used to the festivities. Joshua Southren, a 20-year old from New York was “intimidated but impressed” when he first attended two years ago. This year, he said that “Mardi Gras in St. Louis is second only to Mardi Gras in NOLA. There’s nowhere else I’d want to be.” St. Louis is home to hundreds of traditions and a culture that is unmatched. He added he loves learning more about it and experiencing it for himself.

While some people have to navigate through St. Louis traffic to get to the celebration, others just have to step outside their front door to see the party. Soulard resident Jessica Prost says there is no better time to be a native to Soulard than on the day of Mardi Gras. She said, “It can get crazy around here, for sure, but I’ve got one of the best views right outside the window, so I can’t really complain.”