The Beaucoup section celebrates Mardi Gras by attending Rio Parada. Below are their thoughts.
Isabelle Brumley
Beaucoup Editor
Rio Parada was my first time going to a Mardi Gras parade in Lafayette since I was 12, and it was eventful. While the cold and rain did not stop me from catching all possible beads, every moment was thrilling. I have never experienced a parade like this in my hometown, so I was pleased to see all of the large, vibrantly colored floats.
The parade started with police motorcycles sweeping the streets, followed by a marching band and dancers. Then, the floats arrived. The parade theme was apparent through the floats, which nodded to their Brazilian theme. I enjoyed seeing the rich colors on the floats and catching anything imaginable.
I caught this stuffed animal that I was rather proud of: a bright pink flamingo that is now sitting on my desk as I write this. While protecting the flamingo from the rain with all my might, I also caught a few beads, cups, and even glasses that lit up. Overall, I enjoyed my experience at Rio Parada and hope to attend next year.
Nyria Mustiful
Allons Editor
Once again, the Rio parade did not disappoint. The weather, on the other hand, left me in a consistent state of discomfort and frigidness. It was raining cats and dogs outside in the midst of it being around 47 degrees. I, being anemic, did not enjoy being out in the cold one bit. At one point, I even believed that I was going into hypothermic shock.
Still, I had an amazing time with my coworkers. Rain or shine, we came together and celebrated Mardi Gras with cute outfits, and even face glitter! I ended up catching some cool trinkets and beads, which is always a plus. Although it took me a long time to defrost, I wouldn’t change a thing about my experience. Even literal rain couldn’t rain on our parade!
Marie Ducote
Allons Writer
Wow! This year’s Rio parade was a cold and wet one. I was surprised at the amount of rain that was coming down as we were trying to catch beads. We started off our parade journey by getting some food at Izzo’s and escaping the cold for a bit. The food was reasonably priced and very good.
Then, we were off waiting for the parade to start. Excitement built up in us as we heard the police sirens and now the parade has begun. All the floats had music and people throwing beads, stuffed animals, glasses that light up and many more.
Compared to last year, there were not as many people out. Which makes sense because the rain was freezing. I would rather be cold with no rain, than cold with rain.
I was wrapped in my raincoat and sweater and I was still freezing.
My favorite part of the parade was being with my friends and having a great time.
Kay Padilla
Editor-In-Chief
This is my second time ever attending the Rio parade. I am used to the big, loud and long Houma parades, so Rio became one of my favorites due to its calm and short route! I can enjoy the parade, catch a few beads and spend time with my friends.
This year was a little different due to the cold and the rain, but the rain never stops me. We walked across the rails to get some burritos to eat while waiting for the parade to start. While the wind wanted to take my umbrella away, I clung onto it with all my might.
Once the parade started, I forgot I was cold and that my socks were wet. I was able to catch a few beads, a turtle stuffie, light-up sunglasses and a light-up sword. I cheered extra loud for the dancers and the bands that were performing in the rain.