By Williamena Kwapo | OBSERVER Staff Writer
The flavors, sounds and vibes of Mardi Gras are coming to Sacramento on Saturday. Sac Town Mardi Gras, a newly established organization, is hosting its inaugural Mardi Gras season, hoping to imitate the popular New Orleans celebration.
Founded by Joseph Thomas, a Louisiana native with roots in the Zulu tribe, Sac Town Mardi Gras aims to bring the elaborate, colorful 21-day celebration to the streets of Sacramento. As a teenager, Thomas dreamt of infusing the city with the spirit of Mardi Gras. He has been working on this vision for the last five years and is confident that this inaugural season will bring out a large crowd.
Mardi Gras, French for “Fat Tuesday,” is a celebration that precedes Lent, a period of fasting in the Christian faith in preparation for Easter. Mardi Gras season lasts 21 days and typically ends on Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, to begin Lent.
This year, Thomas and fellow community members have planned a 10-day extravaganza featuring activities focused on culture, economic revitalization, education, and gastronomy. Among scheduled events is the Krews and Kings of Queens Parade, set for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 3. The parade kicks off at the Oak Park Community Center, proceeds along Broadway and ends at McClatchy Park, where a wellness fair will be hosted. There will be marching bands, floats, and community organizations showcasing the diverse talents of small business owners along Broadway, as is done along Bourbon Street in New Orleans.
Additional events include the Krewe of Gumbo Parade scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 17, promising to add another layer of excitement to Sacramento’s inaugural Mardi Gras season.
Sac Town Mardi Gras plans to propose a resolution in the near future to officially recognize Mardi Gras as a season locally.