Mardi Gras after Katrina

Six months after the destruction of Katrina, New Orleans still finds itself in the spirit of celebration. Personally I was surprised that this mega festival was still scheduled to resume and after reading several commentaries about this year's festival, I came to the conclusion that the decision to hold it this year was not a bad idea.
Mardi Gras after all will lend help to the Louisiana economy, as much of Louisiana and other impacted cities are still largely uninhabited due to its reconstruction status. Mardi Gras will help businesses in the area, hotels, restaurants, musicians and much more, with the influx of tourists coming in to spend their money. I do deeply sympathize with all of the people who suffered losses of all kind- after all, it takes more than six months to truly be in a euphoric celebrating mood. It is also really sad that many people are still missing and perhaps will never be found, while thousands are stomping on their grounds celebrating. However, I do think that although this is a difficult situation, dwelling on the past will not necessarily help the city move on. Resuming with the celebration on the contrary is an attempt to keep a part of Louisiana's culture and history, and it would be sad to loose that as well. Of course turnout will more than likely be significantly lower, but at least it's an attempt to slowly rebuild and maintain a part of what Louisiana is and was.

Technorati tag: Mardi Gras+Katrina