And you thought you were done partying till next weekend . . .

NOT!!!

Honolulu may be over 4,000 miles away from New Orleans, but that hasn't inhibited the growth of Chinatown's Mardi Gras street festival into a full-on melee of music, food, drinking, and outrageous fun in the streets. For one evening you're expected to flaunt your booze and maybe your boobs all the way down Nu'uanu Avenue. (Remember ladies, it's only indecent exposure if the areolas are exposed. So, don't forget your pasties.) Or BYOB - bring-your-own-beads that is - and fake the exhibitionism.

We've had a blast at past Mardi Gras, and the word on the street is that the Honolulu Culture and Arts District folks are kicking it up a notch this year. It is free to enter a float (non gas powered) in the "Samba Parade", so we're eager to see some wild artsy original floats rolling along with the dancers and Batucadas. "WTF is a batucada?" you ask. According to Wikipedia, "Batucada is a substyle of samba and refers to an African influenced Brazilian percussive style, usually performed by an ensemble. ... Batucada is characterized by its repetitive style and fast pace. "

So in other words, expect a whole lot a music you'll want to dance your drunk ass off to. Four live bands will grace the main stage on Hotel Street and local DJ darlings Cookiehead Jenkins and DJ Caju hold down the dance floor on Pauahi street. And you'd better do some calorie-burning booty shaking, because the food offerings will be delicious and rich as hell. We're definitely hitting up Chef Kevin Two Boots for some seafood Monica and bread pudding with praline sauce, mmmmmmmmmmm.

The mayhem on the streets goes from 6-10pm, and the parking situation is gonna suck, so carpool, walk, bike or bus if you can. See you there!

Cost: Free admission, but $2 for the wristband to be able to buy alcoholic beverages

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