11:18am | Not being raised as a Christian, the idea of Lent always seemed a bit strange to me. I understood that people, in an attempt to connect to the suffering of Jesus, would sacrifice certain pleasures and luxuries. Often, this meant giving up certain kinds of foods.
In the Summa Theologica of Thomas Aquinas, he argued that eating meat “affords greater pleasure as food [than fish], and greater nourishment to the human body, so that from their consumption there results a greater surplus available for seminal matter, which when abundant becomes a great incentive to lust.” This explains why there aren’t more vegans.
As with all things, a counter balance emerged. All this sacrifice and suffering required preparation. What better way to prepare than to have a no holds barred party? Thus, around the Christian world, celebrants don outrageous costumes, dance, eat, and generally have a good time.
Long Beach is no exception. This Saturday, February 18th, the 2012 Rainbow Harbor Mardi Gras & Carnevale kicks off at 1 PM and runs until 7 PM. This free annual event is located just South of Shoreline Drive, and runs from the Aquarium of the Pacific on the West to Shoreline Village on the East.
Logan Crow, founder of the Long Beach Cinematheque, Mondo Celluloid, and the genius behind the amazingly successful Long Beach Zombie Walk, was tapped by the organizers to help with the event.
“The event starts at 1 PM, and the parade at 3,” said Logan. “There will be live music, food inspired by Mardi Gras, a children’s crafts area, and other fun attractions at Shoreline Village starting at 1pm, and going all the way to 7pm. Plus Gondola Rides starting at noon!
“Participation in this year’s parade is free,” Logan exclaimed. “We’re still accepting entry forms for businesses and large groups. Bring your friends, represent your organization or business, bring your marching band. Join in and celebrate with us!
“People are definitely invited to just show up and jump in,” said Logan, “but, if you’re bringing a large group, have signage for your business, or have instruments, it helps to let us know you’re coming so we can place you accordingly. We’ll keep taking forms as late as Thursday, February 16! But again, if you miss that deadline, do come out and join us anyway!”
I asked if the focus on this year’s event was leaning more toward New Orleans, or Rio.
“Actually,” Logan explained, “with this year’s event we are aiming to recognize traditions and themes as celebrated internationally with Mardi Gras. The Gondola Rides, for example, are a touch of Mardi Gras as it is celebrated in Venice. Samba dancers will be celebrating Mardi Gras as it is celebrated in Brazil. And, of course, groups like the fantastic LALA’s will bring a taste of New Orleans to the event.”
I asked what role the Aquarium of the Pacific is playing in the event.
“They have been extremely helpful,” said Logan, “in facilitating the flow and start of the parade, helping us to spread the word with some great marketing assistance, and keeping an eye out for our volunteers. The Aquarium has given us a huge stack of $5-off vouchers for us to hand out to the Mardi Gras crowd!
“There’s been a wonderful sense of enthusiasm and participation with the businesses at Shoreline and along Rainbow Harbor. This event has been great for the area for years, and it’s definitely something that the businesses support and want to see grow. The Downtown Long Beach Associates [DLBA] have been very generous in their support of this year’s event, and businesses like 33 Degrees, Tequila Jacks, and Stefano’s Pizza have joined in the fun either by throwing after-party events of their own, or generously offering free food to our volunteers. There is a great sense of community at Shoreline Village – it’s been really great working with everyone there.”
I asked if, in addition to the normal fare that the local restaurants offer, there will be special Mardi Gras items available.
“Absolutely,” Logan affirmed. “The Funnel House, for example, will be making traditional beignets for the occasion, and will be offering up a special of a coffee and 3 beignets for $5.95. I believe Stefano’s Pizza will be serving up New Orleans-style beans and rice, and Cafe Dia bakery will be preparing King Cake, the traditional cake of Mardi Gras. I’m sure other businesses will be joining in the fun with last-minute surprises and promotions of their own!”
I asked about the live entertainment, and where it will be staged?
“There will be a few stage areas along the way,” said Logan. “Our Main Stage will be right at the heart of Shoreline Village, near the Funnel House. We’ve got a great band called Orquesta Charangoa who will be headlining the event! And of course, expect music within the parade itself, peppered through the crowd, etc. Mardi Gras has a special way of bringing out buskers and impromptu street musicians. All are welcome!”
I asked if costumes, masks, and other fun stuff will be available on site.
“Most definitely,” Logan confirmed. “Local artist and curator Evan Kelly will once again be on hand selling great Mardi Gras masks, and a variety of beads. They’ve got these massive disco-ball style beads, they’re like the size of ping-pong balls and reflective. They’re pretty fantastic! Of course there will be beads flying to and fro as well, but don’t worry. If you’re short a mask or beads, they’ll be on sale and available.”
I asked about where are being encouraged to park.
“The Aquarium of the Pacific has a very large parking structure,” said Logan. “I definitely recommend guests aim there, particularly if they plan on walking the Parade with us. Shoreline’s own lot may fill up, but Aquarium and city lots will continue to be resources for our late arrivals.”
I asked if he was giving anything up for Lent.
“Yes. Alcohol and fried food,” Logan confessed. “After all, it is supposed to be a sacrifice!”
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For more informaiton about the 2012 Rainbow Harbor Mardi Gras & Carnevale, visit RainbowHarborMardiGras.com.