The Insider: Tulane student crowned Mardi Gras queen

Every year, Louisiana congressmen bring the spirit of Mardi Gras to Washington, D.C., with the Mystick Krewe of Louisianians’ annual Carnival ball. Despite the capital’s big snowstorm, the show went off splendidly on Jan. 23 indoors at the Washington Hilton with a Tulane University student reigning as queen.

Anna Haspel Aronson, a first-year undergraduate student majoring in marketing, was crowned queen of the 2016 ball by Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards on Jan. 20 at the Governor’s Mansion in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She then flew to D.C. with crown, gown and Mardi Gras throws in hand to attend the three-day event.

“It was amazing,” said Aronson. “The ball is very different [from Louisiana balls]. It’s a lot bigger; there are so many different traditions, costumes, princesses and festival queens.”

The theme of the ball was “Rollin’ on the River,” and the festivities concluded in a truly Louisiana-style parade complete with floats, throws, costumed krewe and Aronson’s favorite part of Mardi Gras: king cake.

In addition to donning her crown and tossing out hats from her float, Aronson also took advantage of her time in the nation’s capital.  

“I toured the U.S Capitol building, I went to the congressmen’s and senators’ offices, and I talked to the governor and quite a few congressmen, which was neat,” said Aronson. “That experience really made it unique for me.”

Samah Ahmed is a sophomore majoring in public health and political science at Tulane University.