February 27th Let’s Have a Parade Day!

In 1827 the first Mardi Gras celebration was held in New Orleans, Louisiana on February 27th. Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday” (aka Shrove Tuesday) and refers to the tradition of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season, which started on Ash Wednesday. Laissez les bon temps rouler, (Let the good times roll) is one of the popular slogans of modern day Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans aka the “Big Easy” This year (2010) Fat Tuesday was on February 16th.

Mardi Gras has a long history that was recognized in ancient Roman times. The celebration was called Lupercalia, a circus-like festival similar to the Mardi Gras we are familiar with today.  In 1699 the French Explorer Iberville brought the custom to America.  Mardi Gras has also been celebrated by the people of Paris since the Middle Ages.
 
In Binche, Belgium the Mardi Gras festival is the most important day of the year where they host the Carnival of Binche. The CARNIVAL is an annual pre-Lenten celebration in Brazil. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the Carnaval of Salvador de Bahia is the biggest street party on the planet with more than a million people combing the streets. In Goa, India, a former Portuguese Catholic colony, the Carnival is celebrated for three days culminating on Fat Tuesday. The Carnevale di Venezia (Venice, Italy) first recorded in 1268 is one of the most famous and oldest Carnival celebrations in the world. (source: Wikipedia)

The Chinese New Year Parade takes place tonight in San Francisco, CA. Named one of the top parades in the world by the IFEA, the Chinese New year Parade in San Francisco is one of the few remaining night-illuminated parades in the country. The Chinese New Year Parade was started in the 1860’s by the Chinese as a way to educate the community about their culture. It is the largest celebration of Asian culture outside ASIA. For more information visit www.chineseparade.com

Is it time to have a parade in your neck of the woods?  Local community groups host parades for a variety of reasons.  Generally celebrating a milestone such as the birthday of the town.  I have participated in a number of parades both as an onlooker and as a participant. 

 Here I am pictured with board members of the Miramar Pembroke Chamber of Commerce as we drive down the road waving to onlookers during the annual Pembroke Pines Days Celebration (1991).  It is a great way to become visible in your community as well as have fun and bond with other Parade Particpants and Observers. (Also pictured, Valerie Moran (president at the time), Bill Garfinkle, Carol Morgan and me - the one in the pink hot pants)

 Each year for several years my company participated in the annual Miramar Days Parade. Here is a picture of one of our “floats (1994).” (Pictured are Naema, a friend and Gina – who is now our office manager).

Parades are a great way for the community to “see you.” Your company looks larger than life, you can pass out materials to participants, such as brochures, magnets and give-aways. It can also be fun for your staff (if you have employees).  It can be a very cost-effective way to gain visibility that otherwise you would not. Invite your family and friends to participate. Even your clients and customers.  Who knows, you might end up on the cover of the local newspaper! So next time the Chamber calls, raise your hand! 

Also on February 27th:

In 1974 the first “People” magazine hits the newsstands as it begins selling the now popular iconic magazine.

It is also “Open That Bottle Night.”  A night to finally drink that bottle of wine you’ve been saving for a special occasion that never seems to come!

More great marketing ideas can be found in the Quirky Marketing Calendar ~ How to Use Zany and Non-traditional Holidays to Promote Your Business 365 Days a Year! 

 
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