Therefore, the motto is “Throw Until it Hurts” which might explain why we caught so many beads. As previously stated, the Krewe Endymion Parade attracted a very diverse group of attendees. I thoroughly enjoyed being able to experience people’s reactions to the event and their surroundings, presenting diversification as they lack the exposure to this sort of celebration. For visitors, the distinct smell of the dirty streets, hustle of the crowd, and overly drunken celebrators may have posed a culture shock, which I can relate to from firsthand experience. There also needs to be improvements in security, which is a crucial issue in New Orleans, specifically during the parade season. While there is still progress to be made with security and cleanliness, we did get to experience the local authenticity of Mardi Gras, including the intricate, over-the-top costumes, delicious king cakes and jambalaya, and cultural music. These are specific aspects that went well and give New Orleans its local identity, and the localization of the holiday is evident due to the parades/carnivals only prevalent in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. In regards to commodification, Mardi Gras is a major marketing opportunity