New Orleans & Company announced today that although Mardi Gras parades will be banned this year due to Covid. New Orleanians will still celebrate with some creative adaptions.
The notification, which came on what is known as “Twelfth Night,” the historic start of the Mardi Gras season leading up to Fat Tuesday on February 16, was issued as an edict from Rex, King of Carnival. It focused on keeping the Carnival tradition in New Orleans that started in 1872 alive—and the industry that supports the annual tradition at work.
Other organizations are helping to Laissez les bons temps rouler as well. PRA Business Events offers “Mardi Gras where you are” activations that include glitter shoe sessions and a 610 Stomper experience (trust us on this one. You have to see it for yourself).
Read more Planner Lessons from an Epic Mardi Gras Krewe Ride.
Creative adaptations include:
- The Krewe of House Floats is hiring laid-off float builders to transform homes into parade floats and bringing the spirit of Mardi Gras parades throughout the city in a safe way.
- Commander’s Palace will be hosting a virtual Wine & Cheese Party from Mardi Gras World
- The New Orleans Music Company will be producing a series of virtual performances and cultural lectures
- New Orleans School of Cooking will host Mardi Gras King Cake Zoom cooking classes
- Restaurants like Pelican Club have partnered with Kern Enterprises to decorate their dining rooms
- Multiple parade krewes are hosting scavenger hunts for their throws
- The Royal Sonesta will be hosting a Mardi Gras MASKerade
“The Rex Royal proclamation continues a carnival tradition more than a century old,” said Stephen Perry, president and CEO of New Orleans & Company. “Although Rex and other organizations will not hold their traditional parades through the streets on Mardi Gras Day 2021, we join Rex in inviting visitors to come enjoy New Orleans—safely within the guidelines—and learn about the majesty of our Carnival traditions.”
