TULANE TALK

February 12, 2010

Good Morning,

What a week! Our citywide celebration continues as we approach what might be the biggest and best Mardi Gras ever. As always, members of the Tulane community are heavily involved.

Tulane’s Marching Band, whose participation in the Saints Super Bowl parade was featured on CNN, will perform in the Krewe D’Etat, Thoth and Rex parades. I am extremely proud of our band and what they have accomplished post-Katrina. In addition to this great representation, many of our Tulane faculty, students and staff will ride with krewes throughout the city.

We have also incorporated the study of Mardi Gras into our curriculum. For instance, Tulane students explored Carnival and other Louisiana community performance traditions with anthropology professor and American Routes host Nick Spitzer. The result, Second Lines and Black Pots, was nationally broadcast this week.

While fun and frivolity are the themes of Mardi Gras, the safety of all the members of our community, especially our students, is paramount. I encourage everyone to read these http tips, including expanded Safe Rides hours. Following the advice posted here will ensure all of us have a happy and safe Mardi Gras.