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Mardi Gras day is three days away and parades are rolling non-stop until Tuesday, February 28.
Last weekend, during All-Star weekend, over 15 parades rolled through the New Orleans metro area. This past week, counting Wednesday through Friday, nine parades rolled through the New Orleans metro area, and on today, February 25, three parades are set to roll.
Throughout the next couple of days, some of the largest krewes—a.k.a super krewes—are expected to roll through the city, including Bacchus, Endymion and Orpheus.
In celebration of super Krewes during Mardi Gras, here is everything you need to know about Saturday’s Krewe of Endymion parade.
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. Here’s a hint: Jesters, flambeaux’s and a special marching band can be found at this parade.
The route
The krewe
First parading in 1967, the Krewe of Endymion is one of three super krewes—parading organizations with several large floats, premiere entertainment and several thousand riders— in New Orleans. Currently, Endymion has over 3,100 riders and features over 37 different floats. According to its official website, the Krewe estimate it tosses 15 million throws on its yearly route.
Fun facts to know
- Endymion has the largest float: Pontchatrain Beach, Then and Now is over 300 feet long and carries over 250 riders, placed in nine sections.
- Endymion is the only Super Krewe to roll through Mid-City.
- It’s the only parade that ride though the Mercedes Superdome.
Street Closures
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Starting Saturday at 9 a.m. to about 9 p.m., Navare Avenue will be closed at Canal Boulevard, General Diaz Street, Orleans Avenue and Marconi Drive. Orleans Avenue will be closed at Florida Boulevard, Coscino Place, Central Park Place and South Park Place. Marconi Drive will be closed from Florida Boulevard to City Park Avenue. City Park Avenue will be closed from Marconi Drive to Anseman Avenue.
How to get there
For Mardi Gras parades, walking or biking is always your best bet. Saturday’s parade is easily accessible from the Mid-City and French Quarter neighborhoods. The bulk of the parade can be seen going eastbound of Canal Street.
Currently, New Orleans is demoing its bike share program, and it has just been extended to the end of March, 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.