St. Mark’s Cathedral School Students Celebrate Mardi Gras with a Parade

Shreveport, Louisiana

This Fat Tuesday, the students of St. Mark’s Cathedral School in Shreveport celebrated Mardi Gras in a big way. They held their second annual preschool Mardi Gras parade on February 13, 2024, much to the delight of staff, students, and spectators.

Marching into Festivities

The youngest of the school’s students made up the marching band, with preschool students at the second level leading the way. Following them were students in the third and fourth preschool years and kindergarteners. These students showed off their creativity, carrying floats they had decorated themselves. From shoe-box floats adorned with bright feathers and sequins to handheld signs wishing everyone a ‘Happy Mardi Gras’, there was no shortage of imagination on display. The entire experience was a cheerful combination of music, mirth, and bright, vivid colors – characteristic of Mardi Gras celebrations.

The older students of St. Mark’s Cathedral School, too, were part of the festivities. They were there to cheer on their younger schoolmates as they proudly paraded their creations. This parade made its way through the school parking lot, filling the air with a contagious energy that had everyone smiling.

The Grand Marshal Leads the Way

Leading the parade was the grand marshal, Calvin Jones, a notable figure on the school staff. Full of high spirits and infectious enthusiasm, he walked alongside the students in their parade, sharing their joy and excitement.

“Oh yes, it’s real fun. We get them not only just for Mardi Gras, to have fun and stuff, but through the year. Christmas and Easter and all things that, you know, are helpful to schools,” Jones commented. Indeed, these events strengthen the sense of community at the school and create lasting memories for the students.

The Significance

Such events are instrumental in fostering a sense of community and promoting the overall development of students. Celebrations like Mardi Gras provide an opportunity for students to learn about different cultures, traditions, and values. They offer a platform for creativity and enhance personality development.

Moreover, these occasions also allow the students to work in a team, fostering peers relation, teaching them leadership, organization, and collaboration. Such activities are an essential part of their overall learning process and integral to their growth and development.

Mardi Gras: An Annual Tradition

Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, is a carnival celebration traditionally held in many parts of the world on the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Marked with parades and parties, the festival of Mardi Gras is about enjoying the bountifulness of life before the fasting period of Lent begins.

St. Mark’s Cathedral School’s annual Mardi Gras parade is a wonderful way for the students, staff, and community to come together and partake in this beloved tradition. It is a colourful spectacle of fun, creativity, and learning for everyone involved.