This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at SMU chapter.
After all the fun from the holidays has died down, you may find yourself struggling to get through winter. Thankfully, Mardi Gras brings another reason for celebration before spring. French for “Fat Tuesday,” Mardi Gras is a celebration of everything sinful just before Lent. Â
Mardi Gras in America dates back to 1699, but it wasn’t regularly celebrated until Louisianna became a state in 1812. The bead throwing tradition began in the 1920s (although the practice of flashing for beads did not come around until the 1970s). Now Mardi Gras provides us with an excuse for a wild weekend.  Â
What to pack:
- Get spirited in purple green and gold – If you don’t have any festive items, head to your closest American Apparel to make it easy.Â
- Casual hoodie for night –Â Do not bring anything that you are attached to because it might get ruined. Â
- Rain boots or sneakers or any other comfy shoes that can potentially be ruined.Â
- Cheap sunglasses for day (maybe a few pairs).Â
- Cash
- Small cross body or fanny-pack –Â Many people view drunk college kids as easy targets for pickpocketing.Â
- Leave any expensive items (electronics, jewelry etc.) at home.Â
- Pepper sprayÂ
- Hand sanitizerÂ
- Cell phone chargers!
Where to go:
- Pat O’sÂ
- Daq ShaqÂ
- Diesel daq
What to avoid:Â
- Stopping at the Alexandria exitÂ
- Having a dead phone/having a dead phone and getting lost. Also do not lose your wristband or you run the risk of also being temporarily homeless. Â
- Not taking advantage of a restroom when you find one
- Sketchy puddlesÂ
- Flashing – Not worth it. There are plenty of other ways to get beads without being brandedÂ
- Sex showsÂ
- Religious protestors
- Muggings/ crimes – be aware of your surroundings.
- Not pacing yourself (invest in quality liquor).
- Hurricane hangoversÂ
- Leaving too late and missing class/due dates.Â
And what you don’t want to miss:Â
- The parades of colorful personalities – get up and rally, brunch might be tough but pick up mimosa supplies on the way there.Â
- The hurricanes and fishbowls and hand grenades themselves
- The road trip bondingÂ
- The stories that will last years
Feature image courtesy of The Meeting Magazines