Mardi Gras to Come Early For Saints Fans

Yesterday, the New Orleans Saints made franchise history after defeating the Indianapolis Colts at a very memorable Super Bowl XLIV in Miami.   However, this was much more than their first Super Bowl Championship victory.   The game itself had single-handedly given hope to a city that is still affected by the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.  Although the hurricane hit in August 2005, last night’s Championship Game was quintessentially an overdue and highly anticipated blessing to the city of New Orleans.

A parade for the Saints had already been planned prior to the actual outcome of the game.  Win or lose, the city of New Orleans agreed that they would honor their team.    However, the city was unaware of the great victory that would soon present itself to them.  Late in the fourth quarter, Tracy Porter’s 74-yard interception return on a pass from Manning clinched the win for the Saints leading to a final score of 31-17.  The New Orleans Saints were underdogs no more, and the city of New Orleans couldn’t be more deserving of such an epic victory.

Despite the dismay that has long since plagued the city, one thing is absolutely certain; New Orleans still knows how to party. Now the rest of the world is going to see what many in the Big Easy already know. …New Orleans is back in business!

While the Saint’s Super Bowl win couldn’t have come at a better time for the city, the parade which is set to take place on February 9th at 5PM is only going to serve as a small taste of what is to come for New Orleans.   With Mardi Gras only a week away, it is safe to assume that the Big Easy is the place everyone wants to be.   That is, if you think you can handle one of the most ostentatious celebrations in the city’s history.

The parade is set to begin right in front of the Superdome which is ironic since the building which once served as a shelter to over 20,000 people that were forced to evacuate from their homes, will now be the site of an enormous celebration.  It is no longer a symbol of New Orleans painful past.  Instead, the Superdome is a place to rejoice and embrace the city’s future and recovery.

Although the parade is not until Tuesday, you can rest assured that the celebration has already started in New Orleans.  Several diehard fans (many who have yet to sleep), are sitting in lawn chairs at the airport eagerly awaiting the arrival of their team showcasing their gratitude, dedication and just how much of an impact they have had on their city.   Even so, this is only the beginning of many sleepless adrenaline driven nights to come for Saints fans and New Orleans inhabitants alike.  With the official start of Mardi Gras in the coming weeks, this years Super Bowl celebration will without a doubt be extended.

I’d advise New Orleans to take a huge breather after all the Mardi Gras and Super Bowl excitement since this isn’t the only taste of football madness coming to town.   The BCS National Championship Game is set to take place at the Superdome in January 2012.  With three trophies going to a single winning team, there is always a great deal at stake and as much of a reason to celebrate. It’s time to welcome back New Orleans, one of the greatest cities in the world for hospitality.

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