Louisiana Alive! DC Mardi Gras

One of the many jazz bands performing at Louisiana Alive!

Last month, Washington, DC was infiltrated by Louisianians (quite the mouthful, I know) looking to start their Mardi Gras festivities early in the Nation's capital. What started as a way for the Louisiana Members of Congress to celebrate Mardi Gras while away from home, has turned into a massive party/celebration/marketing campaign/lobbying event for the state of Louisiana and its businesses.

Louisiana Alive! performers hanging from the ceiling

I was fortunate enough to take part in the Louisiana Alive! event as a part of the DC Mardi Gras weekend. Louisiana Alive! is an opportunity for businesses from the Pelican State to market themselves to Washington, DC, and especially Congress.  Taking place at the Washington Hilton (or the Hinckley Hilton for Washingtonians), the grand ballroom was decked out in lights and decorations setting the theme of Mardi Gras. The outer ring of the ball room was filled with business vendor booths, each attempting to outdo the others by handing out bigger and better beads. Cirque du Soleil-eque performers swung from ribbons hanging from the ceiling. In the center of the ballroom was a large dance floor and music stage. Sounds of "When The Saints Go Marching In" and other New Orleans jazz classics filled the room as various jazz bands performed throughout the evening.

Oysters freshly shipped from New Orleans

By far the best part of the event, however, was the authentic New Orleans cuisine. Attendees dined on fresh oysters from the Acme Oyster House in New Orleans, shucked right before your eyes! (For oyster lovers, these were by far the biggest and freshest oysters on the half shell I've ever tasted.) Other foods served included different kinds of gumbo, peel and eat shrimp, crawfish cheesecake, and bread pudding. (Am I making you hungry yet?)

Louisiana Alive! was a great event and a tremendous insight into the Mardi Gras culture of New Orleans. Although I have not yet traveled to New Orleans, I feel as though I received an authentic taste of the Big Easy through the events of DC Mardi Gras. If you ever have the opportunity to attend a DC Mardi Gras event, I would strongly encourage you to attend. And as they say in New Orleans, laissez les bons temps rouler!

-TB