Latest news with #KreweofEndymion
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Happy Fat Tuesday! See Celebrities Going All-Out for Mardi Gras
New Orleans has once again come alive for the celebration of Mardi Gras! March 4, 2025, marks Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday which kicks off the season of Lent, leading up to Easter. And in Louisiana, the period is marked with celebrations and parades that bring locals, revelers and celebrities to the streets. The Christian feasting period-turned-cultural phenomenon dates back thousands of years, and the joyful extravaganza is enjoyed around the globe, though New Orleans takes the (king) cake for the most colorful and elaborate celebrations, Here, look back at some of the best celebrity parade moments from Mardi Gras in New Orleans though the years. Nicole Richie took a trip to New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras 2025 with friends. "I lost my glasses, but found some beads, crawfish, and a few new bruises on my body. #MardiGras 🎭🦞🥁," she wrote on Instagram alongside a carousel of photos and videos. Draped in a dress made of colorful beads, Katy Perry hit the stage for the Endymion Mardi Gras Extravaganza where it was also announced that March 1 will now be known as Katy Perry Day in New Orleans. On March 2, 2025 basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal was suited up — crown and all — as the Krewe of Bacchus' Celebrity Monarch. LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne was named Grand Marshal by the Krewe of Endymion in 2025 and was all dressed up in green for the occasion. Weeks after his father's death in 2024, Harry Connick Jr. made his return to Mardi Gras, surrounded by revelers at that year's Krewe of Orpheus parade in his native New Orleans. Also at the 2024 Krewe of Orpheus parade, Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka served as celebrity monarchs. Blue is his color! King Kevin Dillon tossed gold beads during the 2024 Krewe of Bacchus parade. Darren Criss — who wed wife Mia Swier in New Orleans in 2019 — shined during his ride in the 2023 Krewe of Orpheus parade. It was a DeVine day for Adam DeVine when he served as Bacchus LV during the 2023 Krewe of Bacchus parade. Mardi Gras beads in hand, Anthony Mackie rode along on a float at New Orleans' Krewe of Bacchus parade on Feb. 19, 2023. Harry Connick Jr. had plenty of beads to throw at the 2022 Krewe of Orpheus parade. Josh Duhamel reigned over the festivities of the 2022 Krewe of Bacchus parade in New Orleans, dressing the part as Bacchus LIII. Nicole Scherzinger prepared to fling some beads into the crowds while celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans in 2022. Anthony Mackie flashed a big smile while riding on a float in the 2022 Krewe of Bacchus parade in New Orleans. The 2019 Krewe of Bacchus Parade was out-of-this-world thanks to Supernatural star Jensen Ackles stepping up as the god of wine himself. The New Orleans native and 2019 celebrity monarch Harry Connick Jr. gave rowdy crowds "A Wink and a Smile" as he prepared to toss beads from his float during the Krewe of Orpheus Parade. Country singer Trade Adkins tossed beads to revelers showing off their "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk" during his reign as Celebrity King in the 2019 Krewe of Orpheus Parade on Fat Tuesday in New Orleans. The Academy Award-winning director Spike Lee was very enthusiastic as the Grand Marshal of the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club's 2018 Parade. Solange Knowles — who got married in New Orleans — peeked out from behind her mask as she and husband Alan Ferguson caught beads and took in the Mystic Krewe of Barkus dog parade in 2016. Step Brothers actor John C. Reilly gleefully took the throne as Bacchus in 2015, at the recommendation of his longtime pal and previous King Will Ferrell. Lisa Vanderpump looked right at home beside her throne as the celebrity monarch during the 2015 Krewe of Orpheus Parade. While there isn't much Law & Order during Mardi Gras, Mariska Hargitay didn't seem to mind the over-the-top celebrations while riding in the 2013 Krewe of Orpheus Parade. Magic Mike actor Channing Tatum celebrated the opening of his Saints and Sinners restaurant on Bourbon Street in New Orleans during Mardi Gras in 2013. Will Ferrell tossed doubloons — treasured coins that parade-goers aim to collect — into the crowd during his reign as King of the 2012 Krewe of Bacchus Parade, which has been led by a celebrity every year since 1969. Longtime BFFs Anderson Cooper and Kelly Ripa shared the honor of being Co-Grand Marshals of the Krewe of Endymion Parade in 2011, where they couldn't help but smile as they threw beads into the crowd. We can only imagine the number of revelers who asked Britney Spears to hit them "...Baby One More Time" as she waved and threw beads from a balcony in the French Quarter in 2006. Lord of the Beads! The Lord of the Rings star Elijah Wood found some jewelry he was willing to part with as he tossed beads to the crowd as King of the Bacchus Parade in 2004. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Parade goers set up camp hours before Endymion rolls
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Just one day before one of New Orleans' largest Mardi Gras parades, the Krewe of Endymion, rolls, spots along City Park Avenue in Mid-City, the parade's starting point, are becoming scarce. 'So, we came out here Tuesday night, Wednesday morning,' said parade goers James Demoruelle, Joe Winn, and Brian Driskill. '[We] started setting up, putting tarps out, and then don't forget about driving by every hour, Monday, Tuesday, just to make sure we get a good spot.' Here are the upcoming New Orleans parade routes Among the city's Mardi Gras rules, parade goers are prohibited from setting up camp more than four hours before the parade. 'So, we didn't realize that you can't set up here until the barricades close. It's still school property. But after talking to some people that are coming out to set up tonight, we're actually sleeping out here tonight, and we're going to watch their stuff,' explained Driskill. 'They gave us permission to set up right here, so we just moved it to appease the security.' Arguably, employees at Blue Oak BBQ, which is located just a block from the route, are much busier than those marking their territory. 'On a typical day, we'll push maybe 500 tickets; I'll put it like that,' said Kevin Appelson, the bar manager at Blue Oak BBQ. 'On Endymion, we come closer to 900 to 1000.' An abundance of supplies is a must. 'We order for, like, two weeks' worth of stuff. We're prepping the most we've ever prepped for just one of our, if not the busiest day of the year,' explained Appelson. 'Then, at the bar, we have our special King Cake daiquiri, and I prepped for that.' Royal Sonesta says 'Grease Y'a Later Alligator' at 55th annual Greasing of the Poles Now, it's time to get some rest, or at least try to. 'You know, lots of caffeine,' said Appelson. 'We'll get some donuts going in the morning [and] have a good time.' Endymion rolls at 4 p.m. on Saturday and ends at Caesars Superdome for the Endymion educators arrested in Paradis child abuse case Parade goers set up camp hours before Endymion rolls Graham: Trump, Zelensky meeting an 'absolute, utter disaster' Shreveport police invite locals to share Mardi Gras stories with officers The 29 extradited 'narcos' from Mexico Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How to Prepare for Mardi Gras: Your Ultimate Guide
Mardi Gras is one of the most exciting celebrations of the year, filled with parades, parties, music, and of course, lots of beads! Whether you're heading to New Orleans for the big event or celebrating locally, preparing ahead of time can make your experience even more enjoyable. Here's everything you need to know to get ready for the ultimate Mardi Gras celebration. If you're traveling to New Orleans, planning ahead is essential. Hotels and accommodations book up quickly, and flights can get expensive the closer you get to Mardi Gras. Try to book at least a few months in advance to secure the best deals. If you want to stay close to the action, look for hotels in the French Quarter, Garden District, or near the parade routes on St. Charles Avenue. Mardi Gras is all about fun, festive attire. Here's what you should consider packing: Costumes & Masks: Dressing up is a big part of the celebration. Think bold, colorful outfits, feathered masks, and glittery accessories. Comfortable Shoes: You'll be walking a lot, so opt for comfortable sneakers or boots. Layered Clothing: February weather in New Orleans can be unpredictable. Bring layers so you can adjust to changing temperatures. Rain Gear: A light rain poncho or jacket is a good idea in case of sudden showers. Mardi Gras isn't just one parade—it's a whole season of festivities! The major parades roll through New Orleans in the two weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday. Some of the most famous parades include: Krewe of Endymion (Saturday before Mardi Gras) Krewe of Bacchus (Sunday before Mardi Gras) Zulu & Rex (Fat Tuesday) Check parade schedules online and plan where you want to watch from. Arriving early to claim a good spot is key! Before you hit the parades, make sure you have these must-have items: A Sturdy Bag or Backpack: Great for carrying snacks, water, and all the beads you'll catch. Portable Charger: Your phone battery will drain fast with all the photos and videos you'll be taking. Cash: Many street vendors and bars are cash-only during the festivities. Hand Sanitizer & Wipes: You'll be touching a lot of things, so it's good to stay clean. Mardi Gras has some traditions you should be aware of: 'Throw Me Something, Mister!' To catch beads and goodies from the parade floats, yell this classic phrase and wave your arms. Respect the Krewes: The people on floats (called krewe members) spend all year preparing for Mardi Gras, so be respectful and grateful for their generosity. No Bead Throwing at Riders: Catch them, but don't throw them back! Watch Out for the Neutral Ground: This is the grassy median of streets like St. Charles Avenue, and it's often packed with parade-goers. Be mindful of kids and families around you. No Mardi Gras experience is complete without indulging in delicious local food. Be sure to try: King Cake: A sweet, cinnamon-filled pastry with colorful icing. Whoever finds the baby inside has to buy the next cake! Beignets: These powdered sugar-covered pastries from Café du Monde are a must. Po'boys & Gumbo: Classic Louisiana dishes that are perfect for fueling your festivities. Hurricanes & Hand Grenades: Iconic Mardi Gras cocktails, but pace yourself—these are strong! With all the excitement, it's easy to get carried away, but safety should always come first. Here are a few tips: Stick with a group and have a meeting spot in case you get separated. Drink responsibly and stay hydrated. Keep an eye on your belongings and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas. Use ride-share services or designated drivers if you're drinking. Mardi Gras is about joy, celebration, and community. Take in the sights, dance to the music, catch as many beads as you can, and most importantly—have fun! Whether it's your first Mardi Gras or your tenth, it's a celebration you'll never forget. Laissez les bons temps rouler—let the good times roll!
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
