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Elgin Elementary School students and staff proved that a festive Mardi Gras parade can happen anywhere, not just New Orleans.
EES hosted their own Mardi Gras celebration on Tuesday, Feb. 21, paying homage to the rich tradition beloved by many. EES art teacher Rebecca Core, who helped facilitate the event, grew up in Louisiana and was thrilled to share her culture with others.
“I've lived in Central Texas for fifteen years, but I grew up in Southern Louisiana where Mardi Gras has always been a part of the way of life and a part of my life,” Core said “It is a lot of things, but at its core it is a celebration of life, music, art, joy and community.”
Mardi Gras is celebrated differently by many cultures and is regarded as a Christian holiday. It occurs on Shrove Tuesday, which is the last day before the season of lenten sacrifices begins, comprising fasting or other forms of religious devotion.
In North America, particularly New Orleans, Mardi Gras is celebrated with festive costumes, music, art and many foods associated with French and southern cuisine.
According to Core, Mardi Gras in Elgin started on a much smaller scale several years ago. However, the event has continued to grow in popularity since the pandemic, and the turnout this year was better than ever before.
“Having community members, other district staff and older students from our school system take part this year has added to the vibrancy and impact of the event,” Core said. “Staff, students and community members work so hard on a daily basis to make our world a better place; I believe it's vital that we take time to celebrate!"
This year’s parade, or Krewe de Tutu, included the Elgin High School drumline, third grade Jumping Jesters, Glass Grand Marshals (Alyson and Braxton Glass), Whataburger and more.
Core has been teaching her students about different cultures around the world all year, and the recent Mardi Gras parade is just another example of this approach.
“This year, my students and I have been traveling the globe virtually, learning about the impact different cultures, traditions and celebrations have on art and how art impacts a people's culture as well,” Core said. “While these studies are not standardized, these types of connections are vital to building a child's educational foundation.”
Core wanted to thank fellow Louisianians Gail Core and Doug MacEachern for donating customs, decorations and helping coordinate the event.
