Apartments near The Presbytere in New Orleans, LA (868 Rentals)
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Mardi Gras was made wildly famous nationwide with the huge attribute to the holy day before Easter in New Orleans, a great way to get out of your New Orleans apartments, and The Presbytere is a museum in the crescent city that recognizes this special day. Shrove Tuesday or Fat Tuesday, the celebration of Mardi Gras, is the day before Ash Wednesday, the day of the beginning of Lent, signifying the 40 days before Easter, during which time Catholics repent and partake in individual abstinence. If you're new to your apartment in New Orleans, this is a party you don't want to miss, at the minimum, as an observer. At the Presbytere, you can see the history, and what happens in the days, weeks and months leading up to this event. On the special date in February, A huge Mardi Gras parade, with extravagant, even wild costumes and floats parade through the French Quarter. Float riders toss hundreds of brightly colored beads to parade attendees, as well as candy and other assorted goodies. Most wear feathers, elaborate costumes and masks, including parade goers. And while the BIG Mardi Gras party is held on Fat Tuesday, the entire week, and possibly the entire month before are designated as preparation for the big event. Built on the original residence, or presbytere, of the Capuchin monks, the museum is linked with St. Louis Cathedral and Cabildo, or Town Hall in 1791. The Presbytere is managed by the Louisiana State Museum , which also operates the two adjacent buildings mentioned above. The Museum presents a high-tech, interactive, permanent exhibition that any apartment-ite interested in Mardi Gras should see. The permanent collection, Mardi Gras: It's Carnival Time in Louisiana, traces five major themes of the celebration: History, Masking, Parades, Balls, and the Courir du Mardi Gras. Based on incredible research, the exhibition traces Mardi Gras from its ancient origins to the 19th century emergence of New Orleans' parades and parties. The museum curators have done an incredible job of highlighting the city's most significant holiday, a party for all adult ages - not just "kids." It's a "wow" experience to see the exhibit floats, float making, gorgeous costumes, and Rex Queen jewelry from the early 1900's. You can even pretend you are throwing beads to a crowd with a re-creation of a float (it's just a screen, but fun to do). Fat Tuesday port-a-potties are famous for some reason, and the restrooms at the museum mock their style. So much to see at this intriguing museum, so make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to absorb it. You might even have time to visit the church and town hall next door, before heading home to your apartment. The Presbytere is open Tuesday - Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with admission price of $6 for adults. So get out of your New Orleans apartments today and head over to the Presbytere.