The whole city is dressed
In gold, purple, and green
Here comes a float with pirates
Wizards, clowns, and kings
They throw necklaces, coins
Violin, trumpet, and guitar
We have to find Joaquin! shouts his mother
Come, Joaquin! says Simon
I am not Joaquin! I am a harlequin, says the boy
But you are still my brother
You do not fool me, Joaquin!
Joaquin, I found you! says Pilar
I am not joaquin! I am a harlequin, says the boy
But you are still my brother
You do not fool me, Joaquin!
Each harlequin hugs his mom
Each mom hugs her harlequin
So much has happened in one day!
But now they can have fun and play
["mom" in French: maman!]
Is it time for something sweet?
There's a king cake, come and eat!
"Mardi gras" means "fat tuesday" in French
Mardi gras is a carnival, that's a big costume party in the street! it can last many days
Mardi gras is the biggest carnival in the United States. It is celebrated in New Orleans, in the state of Louisiana
These floats parade in the streets of New Orleans. People throw candies and necklaces from the floats
They throw fake coins made of metal and chocolate, too
Everyone wants to catch them!
Musicians and dancers are everywhere! they make the carnival fun. many people come to see them
The best part of the carnival is wearing a costume
You and your friends can wear the same costume
Or, you can wear an unusual costume. a costume that no one else has!
Even if you don't wear a costume, you will still have fun. there is a lot to see, no doubt!