To understand the true power of a mask, you first need to know this: Mardi Gras masks were outlawed in the earth 19th century. Rowdy party goers would wreak havoc under the complete anonymity of a mask, and authorities banned them in an effort to control Carnival mayhem. But worry not, masks were reinstated in the 1920s and since then have become the visual hallmark of Carnival season.
A pair of rainbow masks on display at the Mardi Gras Mask Market. Photo by Kim Welsh
A Mardi Gras costume can go from blah to beautiful with the addition of a simple, stunning mask, and there’s no better place to find one than the 2012 Mardi Gras Mask Market. Celebrating its 29th year, the Mask Market gathers artisans from around the country in the French Market from Friday, February 17 – 20 (Lundi Gras).
Wandering through the Mask Market is like stepping into a Mardi Gras museum: there are hand painted porcelain masks strictly for wall decoration, and leather masks that hug your face like a second skin. Rainbow hued masks shine with paint, and long beaked bird masks make you look like a mythical creature from Homer’s Odyssey.
A customer sifts through the wide variety of masks at the French Market. Photo by Kim Welsh
If you’re a chronic Mardi Gras costume procrastinator, or a visitor in town for a brief few days, this is the perfect time to put together a costume while enjoying a day in the French Quarter.
From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., you can peruse the market while enjoying king cake, live music, and other Mardi Gras wares like second line umbrellas and jewelry. The music line-up includes Joe Krown, a seriously funky keyboardist, and Ingrid Lucia, a lovely jazz vocalist.
This is a great way to celebrate Mardi Gras while supporting and enjoying local artists. Come on out!
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