Carnival season in New Orleans and along the Gulf Coast is ramping up to its dramatic finale. With colorful parades lighting up the streets, revelers are getting into the spirit, whether attending formal balls or donning costumes for a more lighthearted celebration. This Thursday night, New Orleans will witness three vibrant parades featuring masked riders on decorative floats, with subsequent daily parades leading up to Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday. The flamboyant atmosphere will permeate through New Orleans’ French Quarter and extend to its suburbs, other Louisiana cities, and all the way to the Mississippi and Alabama coasts.
Mardi Gras finds its origins in Christian and Roman Catholic traditions and marks the end of a festive season that begins on January 6. Concluding with a final day of celebrations before Ash Wednesday, Mardi Gras is a time for indulgence before Lent’s fasting period, preceding Easter. New Orleans has embraced Carnival in a secularized fashion, renowned for its vibrant street parties, grand balls, and lively parades – some remarkably sophisticated with enormous floats adorned with lights and animated figures.
Virginia Saussy from the Krewe of Muses, one of the groups parading on Thursday, describes the event as a family-friendly, immensely enjoyable affair akin to a six-mile-long block party that must be experienced firsthand.
In southwest Louisiana, some will honor the Cajun French Courir de Mardi Gras tradition. Participants in this rural festivity dress colorfully, perform, and even chase live chickens to prepare a communal gumbo at day’s end. Meanwhile, African Americans in New Orleans celebrate by dressing in ornate Mardi Gras Indian suits, a cultural homage to Native Americans who aided slaves and symbolizes a pivotal part of Black Carnival history dating back to the late 19th century.
In light of a significant security concern following a January 1 truck attack, which resulted in 14 fatalities in downtown New Orleans, the Department of Homeland Security has elevated Mardi Gras to its highest risk category. Consequently, there will be a pronounced police presence, with tailored security resembling that of a recent Super Bowl event held in the city. As Homeland Security Investigations’ Eric DeLaune noted, efforts aim to preserve the essence of Mardi Gras while maximizing safety.
Security measures include a serpentine arrangement of barricades—intended to thwart vehicular threats—deployed along key parade routes. Anne Kirkpatrick, Superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department, suggests this snake-like setup optimizes protection. Furthermore, restrictions on drones and ice chests—linked to past threats—remain enforced in concentrated areas, especially the historic French Quarter.
The relatively late date for this year’s Mardi Gras on March 4 means it coincides with warmer spring weather on the Gulf Coast rather than February’s more typical chill. This occurrence derives from its dependency on the Easter calendar. However, forecasts indicate possible rain on Mardi Gras Day.
A beloved Mardi Gras tradition includes “throws,” which are trinkets handed out during parades. While beads are the most common, innovative, environmentally friendly alternatives are being explored. In New Orleans, the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club hands out painted coconuts, while the upcoming Muses parade will see spectators vying for glittery hand-crafted shoes.
Virginia Saussy highlights the surprising popularity of shoe-themed throws, which originated from a commemorative bead design. The unexpected success of these items adds another layer of excitement to the Carnival season’s diverse allure.
