Neutral ground violations were a problem, as has been the case in previous years, Landrieu said. The city handed out 1,045 citations to parade-goers for violations including roping off sections of neutral grounds, blocking cross-streets and erecting tents and structures. Landrieu says he hopes to better clarify exactly what the rules are for next year's Mardi Gras celebrations.
But this press release told us, "any prohibited items that are placed on the neutral grounds will be removed and disposed of immediately."
Obviously that isn't what happened.
Frankly, I don't know what more the city can do as far as clarifying the rules is concerned. They've done that pretty well the past two years now. Part of the problem, though, is I suspect the majority of the people who need to hear that clarification either are not yet in town at the time the Mayor makes his announcements or are suburban residents who aren't going to concern themselves about the problem they create for locals anyway.
This letter published in today's Times-Picayne gets to the heart of why this is so frustrating for those of us who grew up loving Mardi Gras.
Mardi Gras has always been a time of sharing with strangers.
Krewes unselfishly purchase beads and trinkets to throw to all who come to participate in this free celebration.
People who have never seen each other before stand for hours together through numerous parades sharing beads, drinks, snacks and good cheer.
The selfish act of putting up a 12-by-12 tent to claim a spot of precious ground and air space as theirs does not have a place in the spirit of Mardi Gras.
If the city were truly interested in preserving Carnival for its own people, it would apply more direct enforcement techniques against the tourists and spring breakers who have turned our neighborhood into their own gated playground during the second weekend. My suspicion, though, is that the city cares more about them than they do us.
No comments:
Post a Comment