Oak Island’s Mardi Gras by the Sea!
A Colorful Celebration
One of the most festive and colorful traditions in the United States is without a doubt, Mardi Gras! Also known as “Fat Tuesday,” Mardi Gras is known for its high-energy festivities and expression of New Orleans culture. Coastal Carolina isn’t without its own celebration! Oak Island is holding a festival on February 25th called “Mardi Gras by the Sea,” and it promises to be all the energy of New Orleans with a coastal twist.
The History of Mardi Gras
Originally it was a French tradition during the fasting of Lent leading up to Easter Sunday. It was also known as Fat Tuesday, as the literal translation of the words comes from Mardi meaning “Tuesday” and Gras meaning “Fat.” It was called this because in France, during Lent, people would give up decadent fatty foods like eggs, meat, milk, lard, and cheese. Fat Tuesday was the one day during this celebration when people would binge on all these fatty foods in anticipation of fasting. Over time, these traditions would spread to Colonial America, and those French traditions have remained strong to this day in states like Louisiana. New Orleans, the heart of this culture, is well-known around the world for their extravagant celebration of Mardi Gras.
Oak Island’s Mardi Gras by the Sea
Oak Island likes to throw their own seaside version of this carnival celebration. Mardi Gras by the sea will be held in Middleton Park in Oak Island, just a stone’s throw away from Southport. The festival will be held from 12 pm to 4 pm and will feature various activities to keep visitors of all ages entertained! You can count on a full farmer’s market, an artisan craft market, a special kid’s zone, and live music courtesy of the Cruise Brothers band. It’s a celebration of communal camaraderie, with good people, food, music, and all the energy of a New Orleans celebration!
Check it Out!
One of the most unique qualities of Coastal Carolina is that there’s always something fun around every corner all year round. Southport, with its prime location to other coastal areas like Oak Island, is the perfect staging ground to enjoy an exciting day trip. If you’re looking to have a February with a little New Orleans flair to it, then this colorful event should be on your to-do list!