As Carnival season nears, it seems the air in Shreveport-Bossier is saturated with the aroma of Mardi Gras. Parades, king cakes and festive décor are everywhere you look, and before you know it, beads of vibrant colors are being hurled in every direction. Many Louisiana residents take for granted the rich tradition that is Mardi Gras, and most may not even be aware of the heritage that is the foundation of the celebration.
Robert Trudeau, a local expert on this subject, has written a guide called How to Mardi Gras, a comprehensive 36-page guide to Carnival in Louisiana with 36 illustrations.
“It covers everything from food and costumes to Cajuns and Creoles, and it even touches on global Mardi Gras,” said Trudeau. It also brilliantly demonstrates the Second Line Tradition, a group that walks throughout the parade behind a brass band. The guide is great for visitors, those new to the area, people who haven’t experienced Louisiana, students, and party planners.
Trudeau who is involved with everything Second Line related in Shreveport-Bossier is the co-founder of the Blanc et Noir Marching Society that marches in the Krewe of Highland Parade. Highland’s Parade is March 6 through the historic Shreveport neighborhood.
He said, "We have a commitment to the rituals of traditional New Orleans Carnival. There is no float. We march and do the Second Line to the music of a Crescent City-style brass marching band."
He also has a commercial group, Robert Trudeau’s Second Line that will figuratively and literally bring the music to your table. They are one of only a few in Shreveport-Bossier to bring authentic New Orleans Jazz Music to the streets of the city. The goal is to get the people dancing!
Copies of How to Mardi Gras can be found at The Enchanted Garden and Tower Books in Shreveport and Tubb’s Hardware and Rentals in Bossier City.
To learn more about the history of The Second Line Traditions click here http://frenchquarter.com/history/SecondLine.php
For more information about the Blanc et Noir Marching Society go to http://blancetnoirmarchingsociety.blogspot.com