One bead, two beads, red beads, blue beads. Filling a quota on bead counts and types is the typical goal associated with the never-ending Mardis Gras madness.

However, it also seems as if a social divide influences the carnival crowds. Those making the pilgrimage to New Orleans do so in one of two ways: sloppily or fashionably.

Yes, some proclaim their love for beads, Bourbon Street and hurricane cocktails. But more seasoned participants seem to take a different approach, grounding their celebrations in more personal traditions.

“I have never been to Bourbon Street before for Mardis Gras, and I’ll probably never go. That’s not the main attraction for real New Orleaners,” said Blathrae Gillin, a junior international affairs and Spanish major from Metairie, La. Gillin has been to Mardis Gras every year of her life, having grown up just outside of New Orleans.

“We just always go to the same place to watch the parades – where my mom’s best friends grew up. It’s a family thing.”

The parades are an essential part of the Mardis Gras checklist; Bacchus and Zulu are two of the most well known.

“They aren’t just parades. There is a long build up for the parades and floats, and there is always one celebrity who leads the first float at Bacchus,” said Emily Lawrence, a senior social science and history major from Mandeville, La.

According to natives, Louisiana schools cancel classes for up to a week during Mardis Gras to celebrate in true fashion.

Having cancelled classes, children across the state are given the chance to frolic at the carnival from a young age. Even if it means, gasp, counting their beads.

Children and college-aged partiers alike seem to share a similar zeal when it comes to tallying up more of these goods.

“You don’t know how valuable beads are until you come to Mardi Gras. They take on the value of gold, and you’ll do anything to get more,” said Anna Howarth, a senior Spanish and international affairs major from Atlanta and third time crusader to the carnival.

While Louisiana hosts one of the biggest Mardis Gras celebrations, cities worldwide have taken on their own means of observance.

Here in Athens, Harry Bissett’s, the New Orleans Café on Broad Street, has been hosting an annual week-long celebration since its opening 26 years ago.

“We do different food specials that are New Orleans and Mardis Gras-based, and the staff dresses up all seven days for the celebration – either following a theme or just dressing up in silly outfits,” said Jason Stewart, the general manager of Harry Bissett’s.

For those who didn’t skip class to go to New Orleans and are looking to carouse here in Athens, at least go the acceptable route and hit up Harry Bissett’s, Stewart said.

“We’re the only place in town that really celebrates all week, unlike Firehouse or Bourbon Street,” he said. “People come to us because we’re the only authentic New Orleans restaurant.”

Nevertheless, their efforts to recreate the traditional celebration still do not compete with doing Mardis Gras the kosher way – in New Orleans.

“When you show up for Mardis Gras, it is just a party with all of New Orleans,” Lawrence said. “It’s never going away. You look forward to it every year. It’s like a birthday.”