The poem describes the festivities of Mardi Gras including masked revelers celebrating with parades, floats, music and dancing in the streets. It references the end of the carnival season and time of fasting that will follow, as Mardi Gras always falls 47 days before Easter. The recipe shared is for a traditional Mardi Gras King Cake.

1. MARDI GRAS MASK

3. Cake: 1/2 cup warm water (100-115 F) 2 tablespoons yeast 1/2 cup sugar, plus 2 teaspoons 3 1/2 - 4 cup flour 1 teaspoon nutmeg 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1/2 cup warm 2 teaspoons salt milk 5 egg yolks 1/2 cup butter 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon milk, for egg wash Icing : 3 cups confectioner's sugar 1/4 cup lemon juice 3-6 tablespoons water Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe

4. MARDI GRAS MUSIC JAZZ BLUES

5. As early 1901 , a group called tramps Marched on fat Tuesday. Zulu came Later in 1909.It was the first parade Made by African-American. This year Is the 100 year anniversary.

7. Mardi Gras is always 47 days prior to Easter Sunday, so the date can fall between February 3 and March 9 depending on the calculations done by the Catholic Church. This holiday came to New Orleans in 1699 with the French explorer Iberville. The official colors for the holiday were chosen in 1872 . They are purple, gold, and green. Purple stands for justice, green for faith, and gold for power.

8. Throughout its ten year history, the Southside Shuffle, Port Credit’s Blues and Jazz Festival, which is a non-for-profit organization, has developed strong community and charitable connections, many of which have reached well beyond the village of Port Credit.