Thanks for this great article. Most people not from NOLA have no clue about the history and traditions of Carnival. I now live in Santa Fe, NM, and several bars here throw a faux Mardi Gras party on Fat Tuesday. I've stopped attending because they're a total waste of time with absolutely nothing to do with New Orleans or Mardi Gras. One bar's advertised New Orleans "brass band" was a German beer garden Oompa Loompa band. Between the band's sets, the DJ couldn't manage to play one single New Orleans musician or traditional Mardi Gras song. I had to leave I was so pissed at the appropriation by people who are too lazy to take the time to research what they're celebrating. And yes, times have changed. My father is a member of the Krewe of Rex. And I own two Zulu coconuts!