Fat Tuesday

July 15, 2009

The folks warming up for night time festivities.

The folks warming up for night time festivities.

Thought I’d put in either a very early or a very late plug. Maybe help you make some plans for next February. Fat Tuesday, the day before lent, is a big event in Cozumel.  Last year was my first time and I had a riot! I have never been to New Orleans for Mardi Gras but this certainly reminded me of it. Minus a lot of the debauchery and flashing breasts. At least not on the parade route.  And not in front of my parents.
The entire main drag, where you first get off the ferry, is decorated and ready for action. Cozumel hosts a solid week chalked full of parades, parties and general mayham until the big blow out on Fat Tuesday.

We tried to take our vehicle across on the car ferry, located

Take your car across on the ferry.

Take your car across on the ferry.

just south of Playa, but the weather wasn’t permitting. Once you are up to 4 people it costs the same to go across in your vehicle as it does to take the people ferry. Last  time I went on the people ferry it cost $140 pesos/person. Time before it was $120 pesos and time before it was…Having your own vehicle is a nice option so that you can tour the island at your leisure and maybe pack at cooler at the new Super Mega.

Evidently, the parades began simply with different families on the island dressing up and trying to outdo each other. This has now evolved into approximately 2 1/2 hours of parade floats sponsored by many businesses and organizations . On Fat Tuesday the parade goes on for 5 hours as it makes its way all the way up the street and back down the other.

Virgin Sacrifice - they asked me but I was busy

Virgin Sacrifice - they asked me but I was busy

 

Many private yachts dock in the harbour taking in the festivities (I think I saw Thurston Howell III with Lovey), but my favourite was the Walt Disney cruise ship with the pictures of Mickey on her. She was yar. :)

 

We stayed right on the parade route in a hotel that had a great poolside bar where l taught the bartender how to make a mean Caesar. Just my way of trying to give back to society. Mmmm…

 

For the parade at night it is definitely better to get down and dirty on the streets. Try and collect as many beads as

These ae just kids

These ae just kids

you can that are thrown at everyone all along the parade route by the float participants. But don’t spill your margarita. So much to think about.

 

Maybe practice at home before you arrive.  Balance margarita in one hand, while screaming your head off and jumping up and down so they’ll throw to you, and then catch the flying beads in the other. Did you spill? Take a gulp and try again. It’s always important to stay hydrated while exercising.

 

Eveyone and their chihuahua showed up

Eveyone and their chihuahua showed up

We even had or own mini-parade for the first time right here in Playa with about 5 floats. Who knows maybe it will catch on here and we can have our own Fat Tuesday celebration.

 

I can’t wait to go to Cozumel next year, but this time I will bring my tiara and neon pink boa. (Yes I actually have both as I think a girl should always be prepared) It won’t be my first barn dance though. I’ve grown.

Have a great day!

Bring on the dancing girls.

Bring on the dancing girls.

I really like this guy's hat

I really like this guy's hat

Another really nice hat.

Another really nice hat.

Nice beads too

Nice beads too

                                                                                                                                 

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