Mardi Gras spirit still alive and kicking in the area

The spirit of Mardi Gras permeates the air this time of year, not only in New Orleans but here as well.

The recently displaced victims of Hurricane Katrina keep the spirit of their hometowns with them. Some make their own King Cakes, don their masks and throw doubloons to their children.

Mardi Gras begins the last day before the Roman Catholic Lenten season and is celebrated by most Roman Catholic countries around the world. Mardi Gras is the French name for Shrove Tuesday, the name in French literally translates as "fat Tuesday."

It's the last opportunity for merrymaking and excessive indulgence in both food and drink before the solemn season of Lent begins.

The custom of holding carnivals for Mardi Gras has continued since the Middle Ages. Carnivals, street dancing and masked balls have continued since that time and usually last for a week or so before Mardi Gras.

Mardi Gras is celebrated in areas in France like Nice, Cologne and even Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

The Associated Press has reported that Mardi Gras is breathing life back into storm ravaged New Orleans. Perhaps it will bring a semblance of home to the displaced many that have scattered across the country.