As their last Mardi Gras comes to an end, Tulane University seniors are reminiscing on the most memorable throws of their college careers.
Muses Shoe
One of the most coveted throws of Mardi Gras, for students and locals alike, is a decorated shoe from the Krewe of Muses. Bella Mainiero, studying neuroscience and studio art, is one of the few fortunate shoe recipients this year. Mainiero, supported by her friends, traded a piece of her very own art for the shoe.
“I think it was really fun because all of my friends were there with me, and they were all trying to help me get it,” Mainiero said.
Hermes Cowbell
Not all throws are just for display, as many have practical applications embraced by their owners. Avery Burke, a neuroscience and ecology student, is a drummer and loves cowbells, with their own set back home. Their sophomore year they saw the opportunity to catch a Hermes cowbell. They left the crowd, ran relentlessly after the float, and had their diligence rewarded with the percussive instrument.
“There’s so many aspects of Mardi Gras that I love, but in general, it’s people coming together…in this era right now, we need a lot of hope and need a lot of love… connection and happiness…,” Burke said.
Zulu Coconut
After pulling off an all-nighter ending in Tequila Sunrise at The Boot Bar and Grill, not many students make it to the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club’s parade. But if you’re strong enough to attend, you may be lucky enough to get tossed a coconut. One of those resilient enough to see the iconic parade was Sophie Ohtake, studying neuroscience and anthropology, who recently caught her first Zulu coconut.
Ohtake said it was her favorite Mardi Gras season. She bonded with her roommates and hung out with friends from home. “You get to see all of your friends out and about at the same time, and no one’s bogged down by school…it’s just a holiday that is all about celebration…,” Ohtake said.
Cleopatra Cup
The shared excitement and spontaneity of Mardi Gras make the spring semester the favorite for many Tulane students. Yoselyn Waterhouse, studying finance, said she and her friends embrace their spur-of-the-moment sidequests. This season, she caught one of her prettiest throws, a cup from Krewe of Cleopatra. Although she does not remember the moment leading up to catching it, she looked fondly at what happened after. Her friends looked at her with joy after catching such a glamorous throw.
Iris Beads
After the Mardi Gras season is over, you’re often left with bucket loads of traditional green, gold, and purple plastic beads, but not every student catches uniquely curated glass beads. Glass beads are treasured amongst many, including Morgan Veal, studying finance and political science.
She described how her colorful glass beads from Krewe of Iris, one of her favorite parades, shine with the light. “It feels kind of like a community, especially at Tulane… I want to come back wherever I end up going,” Veal said.
Editor’s note: In a previous version of this article and in print, interviewee Morgan Veal’s name was misspelled as ‘Beale.’