New Orleans Celebrates Mardi Gras, Marks End of Carnival

NEW ORLEANS – Mardi Gras Day in New Orleans commenced with vibrant celebrations and parades on Tuesday morning, aiming to dodge the impending severe weather, which included forecasts for strong winds, thunderstorms, and tornado warnings scheduled for later in the day.

The last parades of the Carnival Season in Louisiana’s bustling metropolis, renowned globally for its grand Mardi Gras festivities, were shifted to earlier in the day. Revelers wearing masks and elaborate costumes joined the parade merriment on float displays, determined not to miss the climax of the pre-Lenten celebrations even with the chance of adverse weather on the horizon.

In the dawn light of Fat Tuesday, the historic Treme neighborhood saw enthusiastic locals donning skeleton masks and antlers, eagerly waking up the city. Members of the Northside Skull and Bones Gang brought the area to life with their drumming and chanting, sharing their message of peace with the community.

“Mardi Gras is a chance to create unforgettable memories. Right now, this city stands out like no other,” expressed Kendall Calyen, 41, as he watched the unfolding of this longstanding tradition.

Adjustments were made to accommodate the weather, with the Krewe of Zulu and Krewe of Rex, two of the city’s largest parades, moving to earlier time slots and shortening their routes. They also proceeded without the usual marching bands, according to New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick. The festivities aimed to conclude by afternoon to avoid worsening conditions.

The National Weather Service had predicted thunderstorms with potential wind speeds reaching 60 mph (100 kph) and had issued tornado watches for the region.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell shared that despite these challenges, the city could adapt the parade schedule to preserve the essence of the traditional Mardi Gras Day events.

“What I love the most is how New Orleans comes alive, showcasing its unique culture to the world, woven into the lives and spirit of its people,” Cantrell stated.

At the Krewe of Zulu parade’s beginning, families and friends convened in Mardi Gras colors of purple, gold, and green. Many settled into chairs, ready for the experience ahead, as street corner barbecues sent smoke into the air accompanied by lively hip-hop tunes.

Jeremy Speed, a 40-year-old member of the Krewe of Zulu, grew up idolizing the parade and cherished the opportunity to ride a float, tossing hand-painted coconut trinkets to spectators. Although he regretted the route’s shortening due to weather, he was grateful the parades continued. “They let us proceed—didn’t deny us entirely,” Speed commented, “… Zulu and its crowd are unmatched.”

Two additional parades, initially planned for later that Tuesday with nearly 200 truck floats, were postponed to Sunday, said Kirkpatrick.

At the year’s outset, concerns lingered over whether Carnival could proceed as usual, following a harrowing truck attack on January 1 that claimed 14 lives on Bourbon Street. As a result, the Department of Homeland Security elevated Mardi Gras to its highest risk level, which resulted in a boost in law enforcement presence. Enhanced security with strategic barriers paralleled key parade routes, supplemented by armored vehicles, SWAT teams, and helicopter patrols.

Despite severe weather and heightened security, Mardi Gras festivities continued undeterred.

The parades displayed extravagant floats and parade-goers adorned with gleaming beads hung around their necks. Additionally, the esteemed Black masking Indians showed off their spectacular beaded and bejeweled outfits, crowned with elaborate feather headdresses—cultural icons deeply rooted in New Orleans’ African American history since the 1800s.

Jasmine Batiste, 28, showcased a blue bead-encrusted costume that she had painstakingly crafted throughout the year using dental floss. As a member of the Wild Magnolias, she hastily assembled a headband the night preceding Fat Tuesday, preparing for the possibility of her large feathered headdress succumbing to high winds.

“Come tomorrow, preparations for next year begin anew,” Batiste remarked.

Noted for offering myriad prizes, the Krewe of Zulu parade extends a favorite—hand-decorated coconuts. Meanwhile, the Krewe of Rex, led by the honorary king of Carnival, parades the renowned Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold.

Other Gulf Coast cities also celebrated with their versions of Mardi Gras Day parades, including Mobile, Alabama, and Pensacola, Florida.

The Carnival festivities, culminating with the feasting on Fat Tuesday, precede the onset of Lent marked by Ash Wednesday. This year, Mardi Gras Day arrived later than usual on the calendar.

However, the essence of Mardi Gras has transcended its origins with street parties, dazzling balls, and lively parades becoming hallmark features, evolving into a grand and distinctly secular spectacle in New Orleans.