Mardi Gras is quickly approaching, and The Birches Assisted Living is fully prepared to “let the good times roll” or “laissez les bons temps rouler” as they say in New Orleans. With a full line-up of colorful events that includes a parade, buffet, and live music, The Birches community is ready to celebrate the notoriously raucous holiday in true Cajun style.
The historical roots of Mardi Gras can be traced back to the Christian calendar. Mardi Gras, French for “Fat Tuesday,” falls on the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent. Fat Tuesday is commonly viewed as the “last hurrah” before the beginning of the Lenten season, which is a time characterized by restraint and self-sacrifice. As such, Mardi Gras is the polar opposite of Lent and is characterized by excess, indulgence, and a carefree party attitude.
The Birches will kick-off the Mardi Gras festivities on Monday, March 3 with a performance by the Midway Ramblers, a lively Cajun band whose music captures the true spirit of New Orleans. The Midway Ramblers have visited The Birches before and are known for their energetic blend of Cajun, swamp pop, zydeco, and Louisiana blues.
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The Birches will celebrate the pinnacle of Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, on March 4 with a parade at 12:00 pm. The Birches Mardi Gras parade is a yearly event in which Birches residents and associates dress in wild and crazy Mardi-Gras inspired clothes and traverse throughout the Birches community passing out the most important accessory of any Mardi Gras celebration—Mardi Gras beads! The Mardi Gras celebration will then culminate with a tasty buffet of authentic Cajun food.
At The Birches, Mardi Gras has become the perfect excuse for a much-needed end of winter celebration and a great opportunity for Birches residents and associates to kick back, relax, and enjoy some good music, good food, and good friends— Cajun style!
