The 'Big Easy' in Bayside

Bayside may be far away from the bayou, but tonight local watering hole  will host its very own Mardi Gras — right here in Queens.

"This celebration is going to be a great time," said Mark Boccia, owner and operator of Bourbon Street, located on Bell Boulevard.

Tracing its roots back to early Christianity, Mardi Gras, which is French for "Fat Tuesday," falls on the evening immediately before Ash Wednesday — the day that marks the beginning of Lent.

A time when Catholics pledge to give up at least one indulgence until Easter, Fat Tuesday is the last opportunity for believers and non-believers alike to celebrate a night of excess.

"We're inviting everyone in the community to feast on a fabulous, traditional New Orleans-style menu, while grooving to the sounds of Mike Lewis & The Legacy Jazz Band," Boccia said.

Historians believe the Mardi Gras tradition began in America when French explorer, Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville, hosted the very first Mardi Gras in New Orleans on March 3, 1699.

Modeled after similar celebrations in Italy that spread throughout Europe, the first American Mardi Gras was marked by partygoers in brightly ornate masks and lavishly outlandish costumes.

Today, some of these Mardi Gras traditions continue throughout the U.S. — though for most celebrants, the masks and outfits have been replaced by beads and booze, accompanied by plenty of debauchery and bon temps.

For Mardi Gras this year, Bourbon Street will host a traditional Cajun dinner menu, a live jazz band, plenty of dancing and, of course, lots of laughs.

"There no better way to indulge yourself on Mardi Gras this year than by coming out to the 'Mother of All Parties' right here at Bourbon Street," Boccia said. "It's the only place to party tonight on Bell!" 

Bourbon Street is located at 40-12 Bell Blvd. in Bayside. The party starts at 7 p.m.  tonight. For more info, call 718-224-2200.