Story and Photos by Chere Weiss • Mardi Gras is the weekend celebration leading up to Ash Wednesday and the solemn sacrifices of Lent. In the Catholic tradition, Lent is a time of giving up indulgences, so back in the day they partied until "Fat Tuesday" (so named because it was a time of using up all the fat and rich foods before the fasting began) hiding behind masks so their frolicking could be incognito.

By Chere Weiss • Mardi Gras is coming. The day before Ash Wednesday in the Lenten calendar is known as "Fat Tuesday." This special day is a way of having one last celebration before the beginning of Lent when believers sacrifice over indulgences in spiritual preparation for the Easter season. "Fat Tuesday" means you can eat rich foods, drink and be merry, traditionally often incognito wearing a mask so you can be naughty and no one will know who is behind that disguise.

I discovered zydeco 10 years ago during my annual pilgrimage to the Portland Waterfront Blues Festival. The 4th of July weekend festival hosts ‘Swamp Romp’, a showcase of zydeco and Cajun bands featuring a dance floor and shade. I jumped around in my seat for several years before I got the nerve to try it out on the dance floor.