No matter which way you look at it, Mardi Gras is the kind of balls (and boobs) out, no holds barred, dress up and and get smashed party that you would just have to experience to fully understand. Seattle-based photojournalist Bettina Hansen took her camera to the streets with the aim of capturing not only the fleshy bead collecting partying on the Bourbon Street side of the festivities, but also the more traditional and deeper rooted side of the world renowned celebrations.
In many of the Cajun country towns the Courir de Mardi Gras or ‘Fat Tuesday Run’ originates from an old tradition of taking the piss out of the New Orleans formal carnival balls. The outsiders gather in the French Quarter donning costumes and alter-egos while getting hammered and generally partying their tits off.
Whereas in Mamou, the men of the town put on weird pointy hats and go on a kind of gastronomic treasure hunt, gathering ingredients from all over town for gumbo making later on the day. Then get hammered and party like hell.
It looks like something out of a softcore fantasy porno movie. It also looks like a lot of fun.
more at
bettinahansen.com