The final week of parades starts with Valentine’s Day and culminates on Fat Tuesday. What’s not to love?
There are parades in neighborhoods across New Orleans, from N.O.M.T.O.C. in Algiers to Endymion in Mid-City and a bevy of krewes rolling in Uptown. In Jefferson Parish, there are parades rolling both ways on Veterans Memorial Boulevard, the Culinary Queens roll on the West Bank, and in Kenner, the Krewe of Isis celebrates its 50th anniversary.
A couple of parades hit milestones last weekend, and this week brings some big ones as well. In addition to Isis, Argus also celebrates its 50th year, and introduces a new peaco*ck float to boot. In New Orleans, the Krewe of Thoth celebrates 75 years with a Diamond Jubilee parade, which weaves its way along its traditional route among hospitals along State Street.
Mardi Gras maps for New Orleans and Jefferson parades rolling Feb. 14-21
Parade Schedule
While most Orleans krewes have been restored to their traditional routes, Endymion will end at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, where it is holding its Extravaganza, instead of the Caesars Superdome.
Gambit’s parade previews are below. They include information on themes, royalty, throws and more.
Tuesday, Feb. 14
Culinary Queens
6 p.m.
West Bank
Theme: Taste the Love
Floats: 15
Queen: Cheryl A. Banks
King: Damion R. Banks
Throws: Decorated chefs’ hats, spatulas, cooking spoons, plastic wine glasses and more
After debuting last year, the restaurant and hospitality industry-based Culinary Queens of New Orleans returns for a second parade on the West Bank in Jefferson Parish. The krewe parades on Valentine’s Day and works food into its love theme.
Wednesday, Feb. 15
Druids
6:15 p.m.
Uptown
Theme: announced day of parade
Floats: 18
Archdruid: secret
Throws: Wizard hats, koozies, cups and more
The secretive Druids aren’t a satirical krewe, but float titles and themes often have mischievous or pointed humor to them. This procession will introduce a new signature float and some floats will reflect the old krewe that inspired these modern Druids.
Nyx
7 p.m.
Uptown
Theme: announced day of parade
Floats: 15
Goddess Nyx: Debbie Prejean
Throws: Hand-decorated purses, wigs, T-shirts, scarves, swim caps and more
After growing to super krewe proportions, the all-women krewe has dwindled in size as members departed to form other parading groups. This procession will feature Bag of Donuts.
Thursday, Feb. 16
Babylon
5:30 p.m.
Uptown
Theme: Wonders of the World
Floats: 27
Queen: announced day of parade
Sargon: secret
Throws: Krewe jester hats, scepters, playing cards, socks, koozies, headbands, doubloons, cups and more
Babylon celebrates some of mankind’s wonders with floats depicting the Mayan temple Chichen Itza, Cambodia’s Angkor Wat and Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia mosque. Joining the procession are the 610 Stompers, the Amelia EarHawts and the Muff-a-Lottas Dance Troupe.
Chaos
6:15 p.m.
Uptown
Theme: announced day of parade
Floats: 16
Number One: secret
Throws: Deck of float-themed cards, doubloons and cups
The Knights of Chaos are known for satirical parades about current local and national issues. The krewe purchased the former Knights of Momus floats, and the old style of floats and flambeaux give the procession its traditional look.
Muses
6:30 p.m.
Uptown
Theme: announced day of parade
Floats: 26
Honorary Muse: Irma Thomas
Throws: Decorated shoes, tote bags, beanies, tea towels with Goddessey float art, Thomas Mann pendants, chokers, scrunchies, tile beads, shoe bracelets, cups and more
Muses presents satirical themes that are secret until parade time. There’s an array of throws and many reusable and practical items in line with some krewes’ plans to reduce the quantity of plastic throws. The procession features the puss*footers, Camel Toe Lady Steppers, Bearded Oysters, Dead Rock Stars and many more groups.
Friday, Feb. 17
Hermes
5:30 p.m.
Uptown
Theme: The Apocalypse
Floats: 34
Queen: announced at krewe ball
King: secret
Throws: Hermes capes, golden tutus, cowbells, theme medallions, metallic cups and more
The krewe often chooses classical stories in its themes. This year, the krewe introduces a new signature float titled “Hermes the Divine Trickster.”
d’Etat
6:30 p.m.
Uptown
Theme: announced day of parade
Floats: 24
Dictator: secret
Throws: Swords, riding crops, krewe newspaper, koozies, blinky beads and more
Inspired by dictator-led banana republics, the krewe presents satirical parades with topical humor in its float themes and male and female dancing troupes. This year’s procession features several college marching bands, including Tulane University’s band. Signature floats include the Dictator’s Royal Navy, the Banana Wagon and Candy Wagon.
Morpheus
7 p.m.
Uptown
Theme: Morpheus Dreams of a Tune
Floats: 24
Queen: Judith DeFraites
King: L. Thomas McClung
Throws: Sleeping caps, plush moons and sheep, doubloons and more
The krewe is known for its full array of marching bands, and this year’s musical theme will be illustrated through songs. Floats include “Like a Rhinestone Cowboy” and “Walk Like an Egyptian.”
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Saturday, Feb. 18
N.O.M.T.O.C.
10:45 a.m.
Algiers
Theme: N.O.M.T.O.C.’s Fantasy Library
Floats: 36
Queen: Vinaya Jackson
King: Donald Smith
Throws: Top hats, caps, king’s beads, Jugman-themed items, cups and more
New Orleans’ Most Talked Of Club (N.O.M.T.O.C.) celebrates literature and popular culture, with floats depicting “Shrek,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Wizard of Oz” and “The Flintstones.” Kourtney Williams of WDSU-TV rides as a guest in the parade. Former New Orleans Public Schools administrator Shan P. Williams is the grand marshal.
Iris
11 a.m.
Uptown
Theme: Iris Soars to New Heights
Floats: 35
Queen: Holly Carol Black
King: Anthony Wayne Gaston Black
Throws: Hand-decorated sunglasses, baseball hats, butterfly head boppers, sequin tumblers, headbands, gold martini glasses, doubloons and cups
The all-women krewe’s theme is illustrated by all sorts of high-flying things, with floats depicting fireworks, a flying trapeze, dragons, lady bugs, Santa’s sleigh and more. The procession includes the Krewe des Fleurs and the Rolling Elvi.
Tucks
noon
Uptown
Theme: Tucks Can’t Drive 55
Floats: 41
Queen: Sheri Bleuler
King: Todd Fujimoto
Throws: Hand-decorated toilet plungers and brushes, toilet seat glasses, whoopee cushions, dashboard hula dancers, plush fuzzy dice, large cups, plastic wine glasses, stuffed poo emoji, socks and more
To mark its 55th parade, the Krewe of Tucks is introducing a new signature float, the Tucksication. The theme floats mix popular culture and puns, often referencing the group’s love of raucous fun and potty humor. Floats have plays on “Ghostbusters,” “Herbie the Love Bug,” “Smokey and the Bandit,” “The Fast and the Furious” and more.
Endymion
4:15 p.m.
Mid-City
Theme: Endymion Salutes the Poets
Floats: 37
Queen: Katelynn Marie Russell
King: Selected at krewe ball
Throws: Keychains, throwing discs, doubloons, swords and more
The theme celebrates writers including Maya Angelou, Oscar Wilde and J.R.R. Tolkien. The massive procession features more than 30 bands and multi-trailer signature floats including the Pontchartrain Beach float and the video screen E-TV. The parade ends at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center this year, instead of its usual destination at the Superdome. Darius Rucker and Foreigner perform at the Endymion Extravaganza following the parade.
Isis
6:30 p.m.
Kenner
Theme: Isis Is as Good as Gold
Floats: 19
Queen: Lauren Marie Labeaud
King: Frank James Lively
Throws: Hand-decorated bras, doubloons and beads
Jefferson Parish’s longest-running all-women krewe marks its 50th anniversary. The krewe works gold into float themes such as the “Black and Gold” and “Purple, Green and Gold” floats.
Sunday, Feb. 19
Okeanos
11 a.m.
Uptown
Theme: Festivals of the World
Floats: 25
Queen: Addison Kathryn Womac
King: Robert W. Pfister
Throws: Krewe logo crawfish trays, sand pails, doubloons, theme cups and glass beads
The krewe of Okeanos is ready for festival season with a theme celebrating events far and wide. Floats depict Bastille Day, Cannes Film Festival, Japan’s Cherry Blossom Festival, England’s Notting Hill Festival, and of course, Mardi Gras. Vince Vance is the grand marshal.
Mid-City
11:45 a.m.
Uptown
Theme: Louisiana’s Bounty
Floats: 14
Queen: Jennifer Weathers
King: D. Michael Vincent
Throws: Chee Wees, T-shirts, doubloons and more
The krewe is known for its foil-decorated floats and throwing snacks such as potato chips. This year’s theme also celebrates food, with floats depicting blue crabs, Creole tomatoes and satsumas.
Thoth
noon
Uptown
Theme: Thoth’s Diamond Jubilee
Floats: 42
Queen: Haley Pettingill
King: Pendelton W. Larsen
Throws: Fanny packs, insulated bags, koozies, 75th anniversary items, doubloons and more
The Egyptian mythology-inspired krewe marks its 75th anniversary with a parade remembering past themes. One float will represent its first theme, “Mythological Divinities & Demigods.” Other floats depict themes about Ancient China and Ole King Cole. The Yat Pack bandleader David Cook is the grand marshal.
Bacchus
5:15 p.m.
Uptown
Theme: Throw Me Something Mister
Floats: 32
Bacchus: Adam Devine
Throws: 16 different float-themed types of socks, kitchen items, light-up baseball bats, boxing gloves, big cups, magnet beads, doubloons and more
Bacchus is a heavy throwing krewe, but this theme also is about the “Mister.” Floats depict Mr. Bingle, Mr. Potato Head, Mr. Rogers and Mr. Mardi Gras, Blaine Kern. Many floats have theme throws, such as the sleep masks that will be tossed from the Mr. Sandman float. Bacchus also rolls with its numerous signature floats, including Bacchasaurus, Bacchawoppa and the Bacchagator.
Athena
5 p.m.
Metairie
Theme: Athena Presents the GrEights
Floats: 22
Queen: Marcia Prosper Darby
King: Armand F. Richard
Throws: Athena dolls, hand-decorated fedoras, plush owls, cups and more
To mark its eighth parade, the krewe theme celebrates the “GrEights.” Floats depict “The Great Gatsby,” “The Great and Powerful Oz” and “The Greatest Show on Earth.” Angela Yee, former host of The Breakfast Club radio show, is the grand marshal.
Atlas
Follows Athena
Metairie
Theme: Atlas Celebrates Music
Floats: 14
Queen: Jacinda Daigle Glueck
After rolling during Family Gras last year, the Krewe of Atlas moves to the final weekend of Carnival. The procession usually features a lot of young riders in a family-friendly parade.
Monday, Feb. 20
Proteus
5:15 p.m.
Uptown
Theme: Kalevala, Lore of Finland
Floats: 20
Queen: announced day of parade
King: secret
Throws: Lighted mini-flambeaux, plush tridents, seahorse beads, doubloons and more
The old-line krewe revisits one of its past themes, an 1893 parade exploring Finnish history. Floats include the Maiden of the Rainbow. The krewe’s floats highlight traditional float designs using paper flowers and ornamentation.
Orpheus
6 p.m.
Uptown
Theme: Dark Dictums of Childhood
Floats: 42
Monarchs: Darren Criss & Joey Fatone
Throws: Large doubloons honoring Dave Bartholomew and float-specific throws
To celebrate its 30th parade, Orpheus does a throwback to the ’90s. There are two monarchs, including former “Glee” star Darren Criss and *NSYNC pop star Joey Fatone. The Orpheuscapade will feature a boyband salute including several former stars. Floats illustrate the theme’s dictums, such as “Fate Leads the Willing” and “Beware the Temptation of Lies.” The procession also includes signature multi-trailer floats such as Leviathan and Smokey Mary.
Centurions
6:30 p.m.
Metairie
Theme: Blast from the Past
Floats: 21
Queen: Lily Isabella Bourgeois
King: Matthew Gary Erskin
Throws: Hand-decorated swords, lighted bracelets, footballs, throwing discs, cups, doubloons and more
The Krewe of Centurions moves to Lundi Gras for this year’s parade. The floats will depict figures including Bacchus, Endymion and Cupid.
The Krewe of Mung Beans brings Vietnamese culture to its first Mardi Gras parade on Lundi Gras
The group joins the Krewe of Dead Beans parade from Bayou St. John to Treme.
Tuesday, Feb. 21
Zulu
8 a.m.
Uptown
Theme: Precious Jewels of Zulu Land
Floats: 44
Queen: Christy L. Spears
King: Nicholls Spears
Throws: Zulu coconuts and various krewe emblem beads
The theme features precious stones, and there are many floats carrying royalty and Zulu’s characters, including the Witch Doctor, Mr. Big Stuff, the Ambassador and more.
Rex
10:30 a.m.
Uptown
Theme: Palio di Siena
Floats: 27
Queen: announced weekend before parade
King: announced weekend before parade
Throws: Metal cups, glass bracelets and more
The theme illustrates the traditions of the Tuscan city of Siena, where every summer, bareback riders from each of the city’s neighborhoods race around the town square to claim the prize of colorful banners. The neighborhoods are identified by different animals or symbols, including a dragon, a snail, a unicorn, a porcupine and a turtle. Those symbols will be illustrated on Rex’s floats.
Argus
noon
Metairie
Theme: Argus is Golden
Floats: 27
Queen: Allison Langhetee
King: Steven LaChute
Throws: Plush “Gus” peaco*cks in anniversary colors, whistles, fedoras, doubloons and more
The Krewe of Argus celebrates its 50th year with a golden anniversary theme. The krewe introduces a three-trailer float decorated like a peaco*ck, the emblem of the krewe’s namesake figure from Greek mythology, a giant with many eyes. Former WWL-TV anchor Karen Swensen is the grand marshal.
Zulu Lundi Gras Festival, Anita Baker, Krewe of O.A.K., Choke Hole, Freedia Gras and more New Orleans events coming up Feb. 14-20
Keep up with the latest events at calendar.gambitweekly.com.
