Live from Stanford Dining: Mardi Gras Spectacular

Hey everyone! Last week was Mardi Gras, a very popular holiday at American universities (and Stanford is no exception). To learn more about Mardi Gras celebrations all over the world, click here!

At American universities, Mardi Gras is usually celebrated through a themed party or event where everyone dresses up in masks or green, yellow, and purple attire. However, my school took Mardi Gras above and beyond through a special Mardi Gras dinner celebration at my dining hall! The entire facility was decked head to toe in decorations, all in the green, yellow, and purple color scheme of Mardi Gras. There was special food to represent New Orleans (the center of Mardi Gras celebration in the United States) along with entertainment from student clubs on campus, like a live band and performances from different dance groups. There was even a fancy cocktail station (virgin, of course). It was so great to celebrate this fun and festive holiday in my own dining hall. Check out some pictures with the highlights below!

Special Mardi Gras photo booth! Say cheese!

The dining hall fully decorated

My (virgin) mint mojito!

The student band preforming live music for hungry students

A student tap dance group preforming

Overall, the event at the dining hall was an amazing celebration of New Orleans culture through specific food, decorations, and entertainment choices. I had so much fun celebrating Mardi Gras at Stanford!

Did you celebrate Mardi Gras? Let me know in the comments!

xoxo

So much to give thanks for

Hey everyone! This Thursday was a big day in America, it was Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving happens on a Thursday every year and is a holiday that dates back to the colonization of America. The Native Americans and American Colonists got together to give thanks for a bountiful harvest and celebrate together. The first Thanksgiving was in 1621as a celebration of the successful harvest at the Plymouth Colony. Modern Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for all you have while bringing together family and friends. There is great food, along with fun and games. Turkey with gravy and stuffing, mash potatoes, corn, and pie are the traditional Thanksgiving foods, as they are delicious and relate back to the first Thanksgiving. American Football is very popular to be watched and played on Thanksgiving. Weather you are watching the professionals on TV, or throwing a touchdown in a family game of flag football, each makes Thanksgiving special.



Another tradition that comes with Thanksgiving takes place on the day after. Its called Black Friday! Since its the day after Thanksgiving, it is the official first day of Christmas season. And by season I mean shopping! On this day stores open extremely early, from 12 AM to 4 AM, and offer extreme deals just on that day. It turns into a free for all, as people line up and race to get the few items that are on sale. It can be crazy, but its all in the holiday spirt.

Do you celebrate Thanksgiving where you live? What would you want to buy for a super good Black Friday Deal? Let me know in the comments!

xoxo