This year MLA had the honor of hosting its first-ever Mardi Gras festival, produced and created by Ms. Higgins, MLA’s new first and only French teacher here at the school. 

According to History.com, Mardi Gras is a Christian holiday and popular cultural phenomenon that dates back thousands of years to Ppagan spring and fertility rites. Also known as Carnival or Carnaval, it’s celebrated in many countries around the world, mainly world mainly those with large Roman Catholic populations. 

Ms. Higgings’ inspiration and goal for this festival was to create a festival that showcased the famous New Orleans celebrations, but also acknowledged how Mardi Gras is a worldwide tradition, celebrated in many countries in their own unique way. 

 

There were many participants and helpers assisting Ms.Higgins. MLA’s French Club, also ran by Ms. Higgins, was a big part in creating everything: a group of 10-15 students that stuck with Ms. Higgins, as they planned the activities and the stations, allowing her to circulate and take pictures. There were three specific students who she really relied on: the Diaz sisters (Judas, Gracie, and Natasha Diaz). They were really integral and came up with a lot of the ideas, ran the mask making, and the photo both. This year there were six total cakes, a few of them actually shipped fresh from New Orleans just for the celebration.