E L Y T S E F I L
toscana by Mark Gatchell
Mardi Gras We celebrate many holidays and festivals throughout the year, but February brings one of the oldest and most colorful celebrations that can be traced back to March 3rd, 1699. The first American Mardi Gras began 10 years after French explorers Pierre Le Moyne d'lberville and Sieur de Bienville landed near present-day New Orleans, Louisiana. The first recorded New Orleans Mardi Gras parade took place, which spawned a tradition that continues today. Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, refers to events of the Carnival celebrations! The traditional colors are purple, green, and gold, and a delicious dessert that is also a tradition is The King Cake, a glazed and frosted pastry that dates back to medieval times. Today, the cakes are fried and doughy, glazed and frosted, typically in the Mardi Gras colors. Visiting New Orleans was on my bucket list until December 2019, when I finally visited "the Paris of the South." Founded in 1718, the traditions, culture, and food are steeped in tradition. Walking the streets gives you a sense of awe, soaking in the architecture and music that can feel overwhelming at times. In an effort to bring a little bit of Mardi Gras to Toscana, not only in February but in the months to come, we will have some fun PAGE 5
treats, scavenger hunts, and so much more to bring music, colors, and celebrations back to life at Toscana. Food trucks will soon return, and small tailored events will bring back the events we have come to love. Our Lifestyle Committee meetings return this coming February 16th, and we hope to see many of our residents join in and express your ideas and thoughts for our 2021 events! Many familiar faces have been returning to Toscana, which is wonderful to see, and our participation numbers are increasing week after week. We look forward to even more of our family returning to Toscana in the coming days, weeks and months!
