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After a year of anticipation, New Orleans carnival season is finally in full gear, with over 20 parades to occur in the New Orleans metro area before the big finale on Tuesday, February 28.
Last weekend, during All-Star weekend, over 15 parades rolled through the New Orleans metro area. In spirit of the full, festive weekend, the Krewe of Oshun and Cleopatra had special All-Star-themed throws, marking the joint celebration of Mardi Gras and New Orleans as a city.
Throughout the weeks of carnival, different Krewes that roll throughout several neighborhoods of the city, including Uptown, French Quarter and the Marigny. This weekend, some of the largest krewes—a.k.a super krewes—are expected to roll through New Orleans, including Orpheus, Thoth, Zulu, and Endymion, which is the only Krewe that rolls through Mid-City.
Here is a list, map and synopses of the two parades set to run in New Orleans this weekend, throughout the Uptown and French Quarter, neighborhoods.
Note: If you haven’t already, now would be a great time to check out the the Curbed NOLA’s Mardi Gras bingo card, which may add some challenge to casual parade watching.
The Route:
The Krewes
The Krewe of Druids - 6:30 p.m.
The Mystic Krewe of Druids is a non-profit, at heart, that is committed to raising awareness, support and funds for the West Alabama AIDS Outreach.
The Krewe of Nyx - 7 p.m.
The Mystic Krewe of Nyx is named after a greek goddess over nightfall, thought to be one of the most powerful goddesses in Free mythology. The organization of Nyx is a social club that united women of unique backgrounds year-round. The Crew of Nyx is also known for their signature throws: hand decorated purses.
How to get there
For Mardi Gras parades, walking or biking is always your best bet. Wednesday’s parades are easily accessible from the Uptown, Garden District, Touro, Milan and French Quarter neighborhoods, though the bulk of the parade is on St. Charles Avenue.
Currently, New Orleans is demoing its social bike share program until Thursday, February 23, which mean several bikes may be available to rent before, during, and after the parade.
Driving is also a possibility, but parking is likely to be limited close by the parade route. If you do decide to drive, be sure to be up to date on New Orleans parking enforcement.
- February 17 - 19: Mardi Gras parades mapped [Curbed NOLA]
- Social bicycle demo in New Orleans starts now [Curbed NOLA]
- Parking enforcement and vehicle restrictions during Mardi Gras 2017 [Curbed NOLA]