WOLF_issue1_issue6_spring2025

Mardi Gras Edition

Letter from the Editor

Historical Significance of Mardi Gras

Dear Wolf Readers, It brings me great joy to be able to bring you this semester’s first installment of The Wolf magazine.

When I was elected as Editor in Chief, I knew immediately what I wanted this issue of The Wolf to be about. As a native New Orleanian, I know that Mardi Gras is one of the most special times of the year in this city and I wanted to be able to showcase some of what makes my hometown so special on a larger scale. I knew that I wanted the magazine to be special and unique, and nothing quite fits that bill like Fat Tuesday and all that comes with it. But I also wanted to produce something that the Loyola community could be proud of. I hope after reading it, you come away with that too. There

Table of Contents

were so many talented people who were vital in making this magazine, from our Creative Director Taylor Falgout, to all the designers, writers, and photographers who helped to create all the fantastic content you’re about to see on these next few pages.

I hope that through this, we’re able to help inform you, make your day a little brighter, and most importantly, give you the tools to let the good times keep rolling.

Matthew Richards

Matthew Richards, Editor in Chief

pg 1

Parade Schedule pg 2

Loyola Fashionistas pg 3

Parades and Float Making pg 5

Mardi Steeds pg 7

Parade Do’s and Don’t’s pg 9

King Cake Hub Ranked pg 11

Staff Editor in Chief MATTHEW RICHARDS Creative Director TAYLOR FALGOUT Managing Editor for Print ELOISE PICKERING Managing Editor for Digital FRANCISCO ESTEVES

Page Designers ISABELLA ZABALETA LAURA WELLES TAYLOR FALGOUT Cover Illustrations CHRISTIAN LEMOINE Cover Photo SOPHIA RENZI

Join us in the next creation of The Wolf !

We’re looking for writers, designers, and photographers for our second issue on April 27! If you’re interested, email us at maroon@loyno.edu mlricha2@my.loyno.edu tafalgou@my.loyno.edu

Mardi Gras’ H stor cal S gn ficance Mardi Gras comes from the Catholic Christian season of Lent. The word “Mardi” is a French word that translates to Tuesday. Fat Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent. The word Lent is derived from an old English word that means “spring”. In spring, people of the Christian faith are encouraged to participate in Lent, fasting and praying to prepare for Easter. This is where the use of “Carnival” comes from for describing the Mardi Gras season.

“Carne” means meat and “vale” means goodbye. Highlighting that people would be “ saying goodbye” to meat during Lent.

“Gras” means fat referring to the tradition of feasting the day before Lent begins.

Ken Weber, the associate director of ministry at Loyola, talked about why it is important we learn about the Catholic significance of Mardi Gras.

“Loyola’s Catholic, Jesuit tradition provides a resource to enrich students' experience during their time here and beyond,” he said.

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Weber says having an understanding of the Catholic tradition can deepen and enrich our experience during Carnival season.

“Resonating with the season of spring as a time for interior or spiritual growth can enrich our lives and connect us to the movements of the earth as it moves through the various yearly seasons,” Said Weber.

Weber said feasting during Mardi Gras and fasting during Lent are both opportunities to thank God for everything we have.

There is always information about the Catholic significance of Mardi Gras from the department of Student Life and Ministry and Weber encouraged students to learn about it in order to honor Mardi Gras.

s e l r a h C . t S

“The deepest way for Loyola students to honor Mardi Gras is for students to be aware and to give thanks and praise to God of goodness and eternal life and joy throughout the season.”

-Ken Weber, Associate Director of Ministry

Parade Schedule!

02/28 Krewe of Bosom Buddies - French Quarter, 11:30 a.m.

Krewe of Hermes - Uptown, 5:30 p.m.

Krewe d’Etat - Uptown, 6:30 p.m.

Krewe of Morpheus - Uptown, follows Krewe of Selene - Slidell, 6:30 p.m.

03/01 Krewe of Iris - Uptown, 11:00 a.m.

Krewe of Tucks - Uptown, 12:00 p.m.

Krewe of NOMTOC - Westbank, 10:45 a.m.

Krewe of Endymion - Mid-City, 4:00 p.m.

Krewe of Bush - Bush, 9:00 a.m.

Krewe of Isis - Kenner, 6:00 p.m.

03/02 Krewe of Athena - Metairie - 5:30 p.m.

Krewe of Okeanos - Uptown, 11:00 a.m.

Krewe of Mid-City - Uptown, follows Krewe of Thoth - Uptown, 12:00 p.m.

Krewe of Bacchus - Uptown, 5:15 p.m.

03/03, Lundi Gras Krewe of Centurions - Metairie, 6:00 p.m.

Krewe of Kings - Metairie, follows Krewe of Proteus - Uptown, 5:15 p.m.

Krewe of Orpheus - Uptown, 6:00 p.m.

Illustration of Mardi Gras mask and beads, Isabella Zabaleta/The Wolf

03/04, Mardi Gras Day Krewe of Argus Metairie - 11:00 a.m.

Krewe of Elks Jeffersonians Metairie - follows Krewe of Zulu - Uptown, 8:00 a.m.

Krewe of Rex- Uptown, 10:30 a.m.

Krewe of Elks Orleans- Uptown, follows Krewe of Crescent City - Uptown, follows Covington Lions Club - Covington, 10:00 a.m.

Carnival in Covington - Covington, follows Krewe of Folsom - Folsom, 2:00 p.m.

WOLF MAGAZINE | SPRING 2025 |

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Loyola Fashionistas

By Matthew Richards

Parade fashion is one aspect of Mardi Gras culture that is often overlooked during this time of year.

After all, part of the allure of the celebration and revelry is the lack of clothing that’s involved in it.

But for some, stepping out in a parade fit or festive costume is a crucial part of the entire Mardi Gras experience, regardless of what parade or party is happening.

Left Photo Page 3, Adele Coleman shows off her all pink Mardi Gras outfit. Photo by Heidi-Herrera Wanke/The Wolf.

Right Photo Page 3, Isabella Zabaleta smiles and poses with a Mardi Gras bead and is adorned with a crown. Photo by Taylor Falgout/The Wolf.

Top Photo Page 4, Gracie Agostino poses with her sparkly hat. Photo by Taylor Falgout/The Wolf.

Middle Photo Page 4, Emily Agostino holds ou her arms to display her yellow, green, and purple tassels. Photo by Taylor Falgout/The Wolf.

Bottom Photo Page 4, Isabella Zabaleta, Emily and Gracie Agostino, and Anthony Nodolski smile in their Mardi Gras outfits,framed by a heart. Photo

by Taylor Falgout/The Wolf.

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What’s your staple Mardi Gras outfit piece? “@hot take- the hottest high fashion mardi looks are sustainable! Scour the thrift store for funky pieces- anything bright colors, funky patterns, interesting textures & of course my signature- anything SPARKLY!!

I repurpose old clothing, layer pieces, & use makeup & accessories to elevate the look. good for our MOTHER earth, doesn’t break the bank, & you will absolutely SERVE!” -Adele Coleman, Loyola Law Student

“My go to item for Mardi Gras would be my platform doc martens because they go with every outfit, but this year a lot of my outfits are really sparkly which matches the entire vibe of the holiday” -Isabella Zabaleta, Loyola Design Student

WOLF MAGAZINE | SPRING 2025 |

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Parades & Float Making

By Violet Bucaro

There are many layers and labor required for Mardi Gras floats: paper, paint, metal, and clay– but that’s not all. Present day float craftsmanship is tethered to tradition, history, community, and family.

Benny Anderson is a sculpture that works with Thomas at Royal Artist. With paint splattered jeans, working-stools, and floors, he said he loves color and creating art that can be seen from the back of the room and still has a punch.

He said each krewe has strong ideas of what they want their floats to be, but there is a little room to have fun with details.

“And that’s enough to keep me happy.”

He said he will put hidden symbols inspired by his childhood in the sculptures he is assigned.

“If there’s a prop that isn’t specific, I can have my own liberties on what it is gonna look like,” Anderson said.

For Proteus he was able to make wooden toys that he said were inspired by what he liked growing up.

“I would say a lot of my work is inspired by notions of play and wanting to do things that feel childish and fun.”

Anderson’s mentor, Richard Valadie started as a painter 25 years ago and became owner and president of The Royal Artist in 2011. Anderson said Valadie is supportive of Anderson trying his own artistic flare.

Illustration of Iris Sunglasses, Zulu Coconut, and Muses Shoe, Greer Jines/The Wolf

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“I get to make art that people respect and enjoy. It feels like an extension of my own art in my free time.”

He said he doesn’t fully know what he wants to do with the rest of his life as an artist, and is not ready to say goodbye to New Orleans. But being a float-maker has helped him with direction.

From South Louisiana, Caroline Thomas is the art director, float painter, and designer for Proteus and Rex at Royal Artist. In order to be a designer, she said, one has to be in love with sitting down and drawing.

Each parade has signature floats that stay the same each year, down to their physical silhouette, Thomas said. After Mardi Gras, float crews dismantle all the decorations and white out the floats to use for the next year. As far as themes, she will come to the client and design committee with a proposal and wait for approval. She said the themes change from parade to parade, some being historical, mythological, intellectual, or pop-cultural.

She acknowledges that Mardi Gras is a Catholic holiday, but that is not all it is about, she said. When planning designs, she wants the parade to be a space to spark people’s imagination. To Thomas, it is about celebrating the overindulgence of Mardi Gras.

“Not every single theme is dealing directly with Mardi Gras, but I like to experiment with the Mardi Gras spirit.”

There is a constant conversation about how much to push the traditional art and

Illustration of Parade Float, Taylor Falgout/The Wolf

incorporate new ideas, she said. She’s challenged with balancing both freshness, adaptation, and flexibility while also not losing the spirit of tradition. When creating themes, she has to consider one that stretches several floats long. After approval, she will sit down to form it into a physical illustration and then translate into paint.

It is an obstacle for Thomas to account for the diverse population of different education-levels, ages, and a wide audience.

“How do you make something that everyone can kind of get something out of?”

She mentioned that there is high competition on the street to capture the audience’s attention. It is much different from creating art for galleries, theaters, or museums where it is quiet and focused.

She said everything needs to be saturated and stimulating.

“There’s gonna be crowds of people,” Thomas said. “There’s gonna be barbecue smoke, and all kinds of things that are competing for people’s attention.”

Through this challenge though, she is able to experiment with new materials, movement, kinetics, and shimmer to catch the eye. She is excited when it comes to working with her community to encourage each other to be a little obsessive and try out new things. Bertucelli has his own way of developing carnival art that he’s learned from his Italian roots. He, owner of Studio 3, took over his family’s business 25 years ago and now commissions festival pieces, jester heads, mini-floats, and large figures.

“Back in the early 70’s, my dad introduced me to techniques nobody was doing here.

It’s primarily the technique of sculpting,” Bertucelli said.

He said his process uses clay sculpting, plaster mold casts, and paper-mâché.

Like Thomas, Bertucelli said handcrafted work is the most effective. Machines offer efficiency but often lack the “soul” of handcrafted work, he said. Preserving “old-world” traditions and techniques is his mission as an independent business owner.

WOLF MAGAZINE | SPRING 2025 |

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Mardi Steeds

By Eloise Pickering

Mardi Gras horses are beautiful creatures - steady, elegant, and strong. They navigate through crowds of thousands and handle the noises, lights, and changing atmosphere with grace. For many of these horses, however, their fate is unknown once the sun sets on Fat Tuesday and the festivities end until the next Carnival season.

Mardi Gras krewes have some horses available to them each year, but not enough. So Cascade Stables, a private stable in Audubon Park, has a contract to provide all the extra horses needed. This year, they brought in an additional 20 horses to ensure all krewes had at least one if needed.

According to Jeff Dorson, the executive director of the Humane Society of Louisiana, the additional horses that were bought are often repeatedly sold until they end up in a sale barn for slaughter.

Because horse slaughtering plants are illegal in the United States, the horses can be inhumanely transported to either Canada or Mexico.

Dorson’s humane society is entering their eighth year of finding homes for the remaining horses, making certain that each horse is adopted and taken care of. Since 2017, the Humane Society of Louisiana has saved 77 horses.

“Our part is to ensure those 20 horses aren’t … possibly sold for slaughter,” Dorson said. “We want to create a safe safety net for those 20 horses.”

The Humane Society has a team of ten people. Eight people tend to all the animals brought in, and two people for administration and fundraising.

The Humane Society of Louisiana utilizes the press more than anything to broadcast their mission. The organization doesn’t receive any government funding, leaving them to their own devices to care for the animals they take in, including the horses.

Dorson takes point on the outreach side of operations, building connections with news organizations to gain publicity for the organization as a whole as well as to find homes for the Mardi Gras horses.

Mardi Gras Horse struts through the French Quarter, Taylor Falgout/The Wolf.

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“In my case, I’m trying to sell the idea of being kind to animals, and I have to do it over and over and over because I’m competing against people who don’t want to be kind to animals,” Dorson said.

“We’re trying to save these horses from a miserable existence.”

DOs &DON’Ts: Parade Edition

By Alana Frank

Mardi Gras, which means “Fat Tuesday” in French, is a carnival celebration that is held annually on the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent in the Catholic faith. Despite its religious roots, Mardi Gras has transformed into a secular celebration all over the world and is a time for parades and parties, with participants dressing in elaborate costumes and masks, throwing beads and trinkets to the crowds, and enjoying traditional food and drinks. The celebration is deeply intertwined with the culture and history of New Orleans and is celebrated with unique and colorful traditions that continue to evolve each year, drawing visitors from around the world to experience it. However, there are some things you should know before joining the lively celebrations.

Photo Illustration of Isabella Zabaleta, Taylor Falgout/The Wolf.

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Do: ARRIVE EARLY

Do: DRESS FESTIVE

Do: SET A MEETUP SPOT

When traveling, it is always a good idea to allow extra time for traffic. Arriving early gives you time to enjoy what the city has to offer before the madness starts.

Parading like a local means getting there early to secure a good spot. The better the spot, the more likely you are to catch quality throws. If you arrive late, you will most likely end up behind someone or not together with your group. Also, parades mean traffic. If you arrive late, be prepared to sit in your car for a while.

Mardi Gras is the time to get that crazy costume out. Costumes range from festive headpieces, to tutus, masks, and full color outfits. Not everyone wears costumes, though, and that’s okay. However, if you change your mind, you’ll definitely catch some throws.

Cell service can get spotty with large crowds, so agree on a designated meeting place in case your group gets separated.

It’ll save you a lot of stress.

Do: RESPECT PEOPLE’S SPACES

Mardi Gras is crowded, but cutting through someone’s parade spot or pushing your way to the front is a surefire way to make enemies fast.

Do: USE PLASTIC CUPS

New Orleans is known for partying and waking up with headaches, but in some places in New Orleans, the use of cans and bottles is prohibited. It is best to use a plastic cup.

Do: MAKE RESERVATIONS EARLY

If you and your group plan on eating at restaurants during Mardi Gras, they tend to fill up fast, so book your reservations as soon as possible. Some restaurants do not take reservations, so you may need to get there early.

Do: STAY HYDRATED

Drinking is a big part of Mardi Gras, but don’t forget to drink water. Dehydration and hangovers are no fun, especially when you’re standing in the sun all day. Bring a reusable water bottle or grab bottled water from a convenience store.

Do: BRING CASH

It is always a great idea to have a purse handy while traveling, but during Mardi Gras, it is best to bring only cash and your ID. Some places take cards, so if you want to bring them, use a small card case that’s completely hidden in your pocket.

Pickpockets target purses and wallets.

Don’t: OVERDO IT EARLY

Don’t: PARK CARELESSLY

Don’t: SPEND YOUR WHOLE

Pace yourself! Parades last for hours, sometimes all day, and you don’t want to be the one who’s passed out before the night even starts. Sip, don’t chug.

Getting to the parade late is like going to the grocery store on a big football game day, driving in circles 50 times until you find a spot you’re not sure is legit. Don’t do it. You will either get towed or get an annoying parking ticket. We recommend carpooling, getting someone to drop you off, or using public transportation.

However, take note that the streetcar operates on a different schedule during Mardi Gras.

The French Quarter is a great place to go, but don’t lose track of time and forget about the other great parades throughout the city. There are plenty of fantastic parades, and not all of them go through the French Quarter. Mardi Gras in New Orleans is the original party, so why not party like a local? Find some commuter friends who know where the good parades are!

Don’t: RUN DURING PARADES Running through the parades is unsafe.

This is especially dangerous because children can get injured by the floats, which stop and go abruptly.

Don’t: PEE ANYWHERE

Drinking and partying are part of Mardi Gras, so find a port-a-potty. Yes, they’re nasty and disgusting, but peeing in the street is illegal. If a cop sees you, you will be arrested. There will be restrooms open along the parade route. Some restaurants, schools, and churches open their restrooms to raise money.

Don’t: FORGET TO EAT

Drinking on an empty stomach is a bad idea. Hit up a food stall or pack snacks.

New Orleans cuisine is part of the celebration, after all.

TIME IN THE FRENCH QUARTER

Don’t: BUY BEADS If you’re coming to town for the first time, don’t buy beads. Many parades offer the opportunity to catch beads, and we promise you won’t go home emptyhanded. You will catch so many beads that you’ll be able to pass them out to friends and family back home. Buying beads is not something you do unless you are riding in a parade.

WOLF MAGAZINE | SPRING 2025 |

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K ng Cake Hub

Ranked

By Valentina Russell

King cake is a tradition during Mardi Gras where people will stand in line for hours at their favorite bakery to get their cake, and host parties to celebrate the season with loved ones. It’s a fun time, except if you find the baby in your cake (then you host the next party!) After interviewing students on campus, there seems to be a Big Three in the world of king cakes.

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Number three is Rouses’s king cake.

It’s one of the more traditional spots, with their classic king cake and iconic donut shape. The icing is sweet, with tricolor sprinkles decorating the top. They sell multiple flavors, and freshman Hannah Mebarak commented that their favorite was the strawberry cream cheese. She said “I first tried king cake during the snow week at a friend’s house. I loved it, and I probably ate around two slices a day for the entire week.” The icing is spread evenly throughout the cake, moistening the fluffy dough. While Rouses’ may not seem like a huge king cake spot, they know how to make a good one!

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King Cake Photos by Sunny Bedford/ The Wolf.

Illustrations by Laura Welles/The Wolf.

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Number two is Manny Randazzo’s.

They have been selling their famous king cakes since 1992, using a recipe passed down through generations. The icing is sweeter than most, and their sprinkles differ from the traditional ones. Their sprinkles are the jimmies rather than the sanding sugar kind. Their different flavors aren’t in between the layers, rather mixed with the icing. For example, Shiloh ElAmin, another freshman, loves the cream cheese one they have. It contains the cream cheese underneath the layers of icing.

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After interviewing students on campus, there seems to be a consensus on the best king cake around: Dong Phuong Bakery. It is known as the oldest Vietnamese bakery in New Orleans, and their king cake is highly coveted. There will be lines wrapping outside the store, people enjoying their coffee and breakfast, as they wait to get their hands on one. It’s so popular that the store has a two cake limit per person. Made with brioche dough, the cake is fluffy and light with the cream of top being the perfect sweetness.

Unlike other king cakes, this one isn’t donut shaped, resembling more of a horseshoe. Their icing is cream cheese flavored, and they have a variety of potential combinations. You can buy almond cream, cinnamon, pecan, strawberry, coconut, and durian.

Whichever king cake you decide to buy this Mardi Gras season, you really can’t go wrong. King cake is a joyful here in New Orleans that ends when Mardi Gras does, so enjoy it while it lasts!

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