“Blonde on a Budget” article laughable, not newsI picked up the February 2nd edition of The Reveille today and found the paper’s front page article entitled, “Blonde on a Budget” entirely laughable. With all of the interesting and actually relevant news to pick from, such as the crisis in Haiti, the New Orleans mayoral election, a possible Al-Qaeda attack on the U.S., our Saints in the Superbowl, and much more, an article about the challenges of blonds having to go brunette because of difficult economic times is a joke. I’d just like to say, who cares?Sarah LambremontLSU Law senior—-New Orleans Mardi Gras overshadows Cajun festivitiesAs the Mardi Gras holiday approaches, students are inevitably getting geared up for their annual Carnival (and undoubtedly carnal) celebration in New Orleans. But passing relatively unknown to a number of LSU students are the festivities that take place in the many small towns of Southwest Louisiana, in the heart of Cajun Country.  The annual “Courir de Mardi Gras” (French, for “Running of the Mardi Gras”) is a centuries-old tradition that draws its roots from Medieval Europe. The ritual was passed down through the generations by French and Acadian settlers of the area.
Here, “running” costumes are assembled from brightly colored fabric scraps, a wire screen masks and dunce caps (capuchons). Beginning early in the morning, they are led through the countryside by a Capitaine, who is usually on horseback. Along the way, the Mardi Gras stop at local farmhouses to beg for money (cinq-sous), rice or sausage. The most prized of these donations is a live chicken, which the runners must chase and catch. As alcohol is typically a major contributing factor in these events, hilarity ensues. The ultimate goal of their quest for ingredients is, at the end of the day, to be able to make a gumbo from the collections. To thank those that give generously, the revelers often dance and sing Le Chanson de Mardi Gras. This chant, sung entirely in French, often varies from town to town but frequently describes the runners’ journey and mission. While outsiders are often barred from actively participating, they are more than welcome to follow the procession throughout the area as spectators. The whole ordeal can seem like chaos but, in actuality, the rituals are steeped in age-old rules that govern the revelers’ behavior (although some are meant to be broken).  Here, the emphasis is not on fancy floats or beads; the symbolism of the day’s activities serves to remind everyone of the importance of both giving and sharing in the community, along with enjoying the company of those you love. The day’s run often culminates in a street dance where party-goers can enjoy traditional Cajun music, food, friends and, of course, booze late into the night. Like any carnival celebration, many seek to partake in as much feasting, fun, and merrymaking as possible before the Lenten season begins.
By the end of the long weekend, repentance is often necessary.  So, for seeking a new experience this Mardi Gras without sacrificing a good time, I encourage you to make the journey west. The most notable Courir de Mardi Gras festivities take place in Basile, Elton, Eunice, Iota, Mamou, and Ville Platte. Many of these communities’ Web sites can be consulted for event schedules and music lineups.Joshua Dougetfinance senior—-Contact The Daily Reveille’s opinion staff at [email protected]