Washington Mardi Gras kicks off today with Louisiana’s biggest movers and shakers in D.C. for three days of politicking and celebrations.
LSU Communications Professor and veteran political staffer Bob Mann says each night will feature a ball attended by state leaders based both here and in D.C., capped off by Saturday night’s mini-parade.
“It’s really developed into a combination Mardi Gras ball, Mardi Gras celebration, Mardi Gras parade, and bipartisan Louisiana political convention where everyone goes to see and be seen,” says Mann.
This year’s theme is based around Louisiana’s contributions to the United States.
The tradition was started over 50 years ago by Senator Russel B. Long, and Mann says for years it was an event only for those Louisianans stuck in D.C. for the carnival season.
“It started off as just a cocktail party and a way for these Louisianan ex-pats to celebrate this really important holiday and time,” says Mann.
The tradition began and continues at the Washington Hilton.
As much as it’s lauded for being one of the best parties in town, Mann says the daylight hours before the nightly balls are all business.
“At the bar at the Hilton they hang a sign calling it the 65 parish where everyone goes to be seen and talk, do some business, meet people and network and all of that,” says Mann.
Congressman Steve Scalise is this year’s Krewe Captain, and Congressman Clay Higgins is the Chairman.
