Latest news with #CarnivalSeason
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Despite weather concerns, New Orleans celebrates Mardi Gras Day and bids farewell to Carnival season
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The good times and parades still rolled in New Orleans for Mardi Gras Day celebrations early Tuesday, ahead of expected severe winds, thunderstorms and tornado warnings in the afternoon. Carnival Season's final parades in Louisiana's most populous city, which is world-famous for its Mardi Gras bash, were moved to earlier time slots — with masked riders on elaborate floats and costumed revelers determined to beat the bad weather and partake in the conclusion of the pre-Lenten jollification. As the sun rose on Fat Tuesday, people donning skeleton masks and antlers on their heads gathered in New Orleans' historic Treme neighborhood. Members of the Northside Skull and Bones Gang woke up the city with drums and chants, spreading a message of peace. 'Mardi Gras is all about having these moments. This city is like nowhere else in the country right now,' said Kendall Calyen, 41, marveling at the 200-year-old tradition unfolding before his eyes. The city's two biggest parades — hosted by the social clubs Krewe of Zulu and Krewe of Rex — started earlier, shortened their routes and are going without marching bands, New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said. The parades wrapped up by the afternoon to avoid worsening weather. The National Weather Service forecasted thunderstorms and winds up to 60 mph (100 kph) and had issued tornado watches for the area. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell told the Associated Press that despite weather challenges, the city was able modify the parades to ensure that there were still traditional Mardi Gras Day festivities. 'My favorite part is the authenticity of the city of New Orleans on full display for the world to see which is woven and embedded in our culture that's through our people,' Cantrell said. At the start of the Krewe of Zulu parade, family and friends gathered wearing Mardi Gras purple, gold and green. Many reclined in chairs, ready to enjoy the long haul. Impromptu barbecues wafted smoke from street corners and hip-hop blared. Jeremy Speed, a 40-year-old Krewe of Zulu member who grew up watching the parade, rode a float and tossed his hand-painted coconut 'throws ' to onlookers. He was disappointed that the route had been shortened due to weather but was grateful that the parades weren't canceled altogether. 'At least they let us roll, they figured it out. They gave us a little something,' Speed said. '... Ain't nothing like Zulu, the people that show up.' Two other parades which had been scheduled to meander through the city later on Tuesday with nearly 200 truck floats were postponed to Sunday, Kirkpatrick said. At the start of the year, some seemed skeptical whether Carnival celebrations would take place as normal, following the devastating Jan. 1 truck attack that killed 14 people on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. The Department of Homeland Security upgraded Mardi Gras to its highest risk rating, leading to an influx of law enforcement agents. A zigzagging layout of barriers paralleled the main parade route to guard against fast-moving vehicles and armored trucks; SWAT teams and helicopters were present. Amid the weather threat and security measures, Mardi Gras celebrations persevered. Along with colorful floats and paradegoers with their necks hunched from a hefty haul of shimmery beads, were renowned Black masking Indians, whose spectacular beaded and bejeweled costumes are topped with feathered headdresses. Such groups have taken to the streets to represent a central part of African American culture in the city dating back to the 1800s. Jasmine Batiste, 28, wore an intricate blue beaded outfit that she spent all year threading beads onto using dental floss. The member of the Wild Magnolias quickly put together a headband the night before Fat Tuesday as a back-up in case her massive feathered headdress flew off in the wind. And soon, Batiste will be preparing for next year: 'For real, you start tomorrow.' The Krewe of Zulu parade is known for hundreds of marchers tossing trinkets, including highly coveted decorated coconuts. And, the Krewe of Rex — a social club led by the honorary king of Carnival season — bears the traditional colors of purple, green and gold. Other cities along the Gulf Coast, such as Mobile, Alabama, and Pensacola, Florida, hold their own Mardi Gras Day parades. The weeks of Carnival culminate with feasting on Fat Tuesday, which precedes Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent. This year's Mardi Gras Day fell unusually late in the year. But the outsized culture of street parties, extravagant balls and spirited parades has evolved into a decidedly secular spectacle in the Big Easy. Jack Brook, The Associated Press
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
A look at Louisiana's Mardi Gras festivities through the years
After a weekslong pre-Lenten bash — complete with elaborate parades that meander through New Orleans, shimmery beads tossed from floats, streets lined with costumed revelers, lavish balls and seafood boils — Louisiana's 2025 Carnival Season is approaching its grand conclusion. Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday, which takes place March 4, marks the party's climax and the end of Carnival Season on the Gulf Coast. The conclusion falls the day before Ash Wednesday and is seen as a final day of feasting and revelry before the solemnity of Lent. Each year, along with Louisiana residents, more than a million visitors travel to New Orleans to partake in the city's world-famous Carnival celebrations. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. The bash includes feasting, drinking and a plethora of parades. Many spend their time along parade routes, with their hands raised in the air to catch 'throws' — trinkets tossed to spectators by float riders and walking members of carnival clubs known as krewes. While throws include plastic beads, candy, stuffed animals, cups and toys, there are also the more coveted items such as painted coconuts, hand-decorated shoes and bedazzled toilet plungers. The annual jollification is not limited to the Big Easy. Similar celebrations are held across Louisiana and along the Gulf Coast. Mobile, Alabama, lays claim to the nation's oldest Mardi Gras celebration. And other lavish Carnival celebrations in Brazil and Europe are world-renowned.
The Independent
27-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
A look at Louisiana's Mardi Gras festivities through the years
After a weekslong pre-Lenten bash — complete with elaborate parades that meander through New Orleans, shimmery beads tossed from floats, streets lined with costumed revelers, lavish balls and seafood boils — Louisiana 's 2025 Carnival Season is approaching its grand conclusion. Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday, which takes place March 4, marks the party's climax and the end of Carnival Season on the Gulf Coast. The conclusion falls the day before Ash Wednesday and is seen as a final day of feasting and revelry before the solemnity of Lent. Each year, along with Louisiana residents, more than a million visitors travel to New Orleans to partake in the city's world-famous Carnival celebrations. The bash includes feasting, drinking and a plethora of parades. Many spend their time along parade routes, with their hands raised in the air to catch 'throws' — trinkets tossed to spectators by float riders and walking members of carnival clubs known as krewes. While throws include plastic beads, candy, stuffed animals, cups and toys, there are also the more coveted items such as painted coconuts, hand-decorated shoes and bedazzled toilet plungers. The annual jollification is not limited to the Big Easy. Similar celebrations are held across Louisiana and along the Gulf Coast. Mobile, Alabama, lays claim to the nation's oldest Mardi Gras celebration. And other lavish Carnival celebrations in Brazil and Europe are world-renowned.
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Some Mardi Gras krewes rescheduling parades due to rain
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Some Mardi Gras krewes are rescheduling their parades set to roll this Sunday due to forecasted rain. On Friday, Feb. 21, the Slidell Police Department reported that the Krewe of Dionysus will now roll on Friday, Feb. 28, with the Krewe of Selene. Cool for Saturday parades, chance of rain late The parade was originally scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 23, at 1 p.m. On Saturday, Feb. 22, Jefferson Parish officials announced that the Krewe of Atlas will now roll on Thursday, Feb. 27, and follow the Krewe of Symphony. The Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale and the Krewe of King Arthur will now roll on Tuesday, Feb. 25. Krewe of Barkus' royalty assembled for annual luncheon ahead of parade roll According to a social media post from the Krewe of King Arthur, their parade will start at 5:30 p.m. Councilman Carl Harding reports that the Krewe of Hyacinthians and the Krewe of Titans, which were scheduled for Sunday, will now roll on Monday at 6 p.m. WGNO will continue to bring you the latest parade schedule updates. To see the parade schedule for the rest of the Carnival Season, visit the WGNO parade page.'Threat neutralized' after shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital in Pennsylvania Simple vs complex tax returns: What's the difference? Buying a car out of state: What you should know Watch live: Trump set to address CPAC Can you spot a credit card skimmer? What to look for Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The best and biggest of New Orleans. Top three Mardi Gras parades of Carnival Season
The Mardi Gras season officially kicked off on Twelfth Night, which was on Jan. 6 this year. Fat Tuesday, which is Mardi Gras Day, marks the last day of Carnival Season, and this day falls on March 4 this year. This means that the weekend when the major New Orleans Mardi Gras parades will be taking place is on the last weekend of February, which is, more specifically, from Feb. 28 through March 2. The three largest Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans are parades for the Krewes of Endymion, Bacchus and Muses. The Krewe of Endymion parade is on Saturday, March 1 at 4 p.m. The Krewe of Endymion parade takes place in Mid-City New Orleans, starting at the intersection of City Park Avenue and Orleans Avenue, and then ending at the Endymion Extravaganza within Caesar's Superdome. The Krewe of Endymion was founded in 1967, there are a total of 3,200 male riders and 37 super-floats within the Endymion parade. The Krewe of Bacchus parade will be on Sunday, March 2 at 5:15 p.m. The Krewe of Bacchus parade takes place in Uptown New Orleans, kicking off at the intersection of Napoleon Avenue and Tchoupitoulas, and then concluding at the Convention Center on Henderson Street. The New Orleans Krewe of Bacchus was founded in 1968, there are a total of 1,700 male riders and 32 super-floats in the Bacchus parade. The Krewe of Muses parade is at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27. The Krewe of Muses parade begins at the intersection of Magazine Street and Jefferson Avenue in Uptown New Orleans, then, the parade will end at intersection of Tchoupitoulas Street and St. Joseph Street. The Krewe of Muses was founded in the year 2000, there are 1,118 female riders and 26 super-floats within the Muses parade. Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@ This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: What are the biggest Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans? Check these out
