Reflections on a San Diego Mardi Gras

Dressed in 80s attire, I looked out into a massive crowd that yelled out to me. “What? What do you want? I can’t hear you,” I hollered back, knowing perfectly well that they wanted the shiny Mardi Gras beads in my hand. I wanted to watch them squirm.
 I was standing atop the “Hot Tub Time Machine” float at the Mardi Gras parade throwing beads into the wild crowd. It doesn’t get much better than that.
If you had told me the day before that I would spend my Mardi Gras this way, I would have laughed at you. Yet there I was, as part of my internship, because another girl had flaked out at the last minute.
Finding myself in that situation, I thought I should do some background research on Mardi Gras, a holiday that I had previously ignored.
 In many countries, Carnival, the pre-Lenten celebration which culminates in Mardi Gras, begins on or just after Epiphany, a Christian feast day that commemorates the Incarnation of Jesus Christ.
Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday” in English, is always the day before Ash Wednesday, an event recognized by anybody at USD, given the ashy foreheads on campus.
 Mardi Gras, however, is not really known for its connection with the Christian period of Lent, a very penitential season. It has always been synonymous in my mind with New Orleans and overall debauchery.
I soon discovered that Mardi Gras means something different to everyone. Luckily, I had the opportunity to interview the Grand Marshals of the Mardi Gras parade, Craig Robinson and Clark Duke, who also happen to be the stars of the upcoming film “Hot Tub Time Machine,” which opens in theaters on March 26.
 I asked the Grand Marshals what Mardi Gras meant to them. “Fun,” said Robinson. “Interesting and weird, but in a good way,” added Duke.
Interestingly, this Mardi Gras was Duke’s first and he was very honored to have been made a Grand Marshal. Robinson, a veteran of these types of festivities, had enjoyed the famous New Orleans parade previously.
When asked if they would give up anything for Lent, Duke answered “cigarettes,” while Robinson replied “beads.”
 Overall, these were probably the two most hilarious Grand Marshals that the San Diego Mardi Gras has ever hosted. They just wanted everyone to have a good time and throw out some beads.
Even though the downtown area was a pretty crazy scene, the whole experience gave me a greater appreciation for the event.
I got to throw out some beads, dress like it was still the ‘80s and hang out with two funny, yet down-to-earth, actors.