One of the things I love about living in New Orleans is that no matter how frightening the world gets, the people here make time to celebrate all that’s good and beautiful.

Mardi Gras is a citywide but still homegrown party put on by locals (no corporate sponsors!) for anyone who wants to join the celebration. From the music to the costumes to the parade floats to the food, New Orleans showcases some of the best life has to offer. And yeah, that includes giant alien puppets and giraffes wearing sunglasses.

Each time Mardi Gras rolls around I am lifted by its spirit of community, creativity, and collaboration. This year, my family and I (missing one college student) dressed up and yelled for beads and ate king cake and danced in the streets to impromptu drum circles. There’s no better way to spend a Tuesday.