San Diego Mardi Gras swarmed the Gaslamp on Fat Tuesday with the party starting for themedia at 5am at Dick’s Last Resort! Television crews from 4 stations showcased bands, DJ’s, stilt walkers, dancers and samba girls from 5am – 9am as crowds of passersby (and early morning workout peeps across the street) peeked into the fun.

While the party was going for all of San Diego to watch on morning news, the streets were being transformed with massive structures, gates, tents and more by

a giant logistics team. By 5pm, the gates were ready to be open to the public. The attendees trickled in until about 8pm when the crowds began to build to the beats of DJ G-Roy and DJ Snoopadelic (aka Snoop Dogg). Bars were filling drink orders and restaurants were feeding the masses all before the Big Easy Parade kick off at 9:30pm; the highlight of Mardi Gras.

The floats, busses and performers enlivened the streets into a proud frenzy of fun-loving San Diegans, excited by the enthusiasm of an adopted tradition. Vibrant colors from feathers, beads and masks cloaked the Gaslamp in a sea of the N’awlins spirit. Well done San Diego… No wonder you were named the 4th best place to celebrate Fat Tuesday!

See you at the NEXT San Diego Block Party! —- shamROCK 2014

Photos courtesy of Cameron Rains at RMG Photography