Parading in New Orleans

I’ve lost count of how many parades there are in New Orleans and the surrounding areas, over a one month span. Let’s just say you could attend about 25 – easily!!! If you are overwhelmed about what to do and see when you arrive in New Orleans, you might want to have a plan in place. There are some large night parades, which are the ones that always stand out as they lead up to Fat Tuesday: Bacchus, Orpheus, and of course, Endymion are the biggies. But there are tons of wonderful day parades and other Krewes that may not be on a traveler’s radar (Tucks is my fave).

On Fat Tuesday, seeing Zulu and Rex are what Mardi Gras Day is all about, so you best get up early as Zulu rolls at 8 a.m. However, just a short trip away are a great bunch of wonderful parades in Metairie. Parades are also more than floats as there are wonderful marching bands, walking and dancing groups in between each float, and of course, the festive atmosphere.

When you catch parade fever, you just catch it. There is something for everyone and yes … they are family friendly! If you do a little homework ahead of time, you can look up each parade “Krewe” individually online, on an App or in a guide. Each parade will have a theme and prized “throws” that everyone will be looking for. Whether a Muses shoe, a toilet brush from Tucks, a Zulu coconut, specialty float or krewe medallions, or my favorite … doubloons, you will not leave empty handed. Standing out in the crowd helps, yelling loud and making eye contact with float riders, might just get you that prized throw. Do not forget to bring something to carry your treasures back to your hotel from your parade route.