As you probably know, every year celebratory events start well before the official Mardi Gras day, which is Tuesday, March 5th this year. I’ve decided that, with this blog and the following one, we’ll do the heavy lifting and distill a lot of info into quick bites. This way, you can see what interests you at a glance.

To start, here is a link to a parade schedule that goes from Saturday, February 16th to Tuesday, March 5th and covers: Slidell, Metairie, the French Quarter, Uptown New Orleans, Mandeville, Westbank, Madisonville, Chalmette, Marigny, Covington and Mid-City.

CLICK HERE for your parade schedule.

Please remember: All dates and times are subject to change.

WHAT’S THE MEANING OF THE WORD “KREWE?”

A krewe (pronounced “crew”) is an organization that puts on a parade or ball for the Carnival season. It also participates in social events throughout the year. In Southwest Louisiana, there are more than 50 krewes, a number that continues to grow each season. “KREWE” is the Old English spelling of the word “crew.”

WHAT ARE MARDI GRAS BOAT PARADES?

The Krewe of Bilge in Slidell and the Krewe of Tchefuncte in Madisonville are floating parades. Members decorate their boats (or whatever floats) in Mardi Gras colors and toss “throws” to spectators along the banks.

Saturday, February 23rd at l:00 pm: This “boats only” parade was started in 1973. It’s on the Tchefuncte River, starts at Salty’s Marina, heads downriver and then turns around to dock at the Highway 22 Bridge. King Neptune’s Marching Society precedes the boats by marching down Water Street to the reviewing stand.

WHAT ARE THE MARDI GRAS PUP PARADES?

Dog lovers are crazy about this event! Family members traditionally escort their pets along a parade route – and yes, everyone is in costume! Then participants meet-and-greet under 100-year-old mossy oaks where the owners and their charges relax and have fun.

Saturday, February 23rd at 10:00 am: Slidell’s “Krewe for Canines” donates proceeds from its Olde Towne, one-mile marching parade to various local animal-loving nonprofit organizations. Owners (with throws) and pups can dress to match the parade theme and decorate their wagons, strollers or carts.

Sunday, March 10th at 2:00 pm: The Mystic Krewe of “Mardi Paws” features dogs in costume prancing along the Mandeville lakefront. Proceeds from this fun parade are given to local animal agencies. This is the only krewe that parades after Fat Tuesday. Meaning: no competition!

Saturday, February 16th at 6:00 pm: The Krewe of Poseidon parade in Slidell is over-the-top. It has 28 floats (mostly double-deckers), marching bands and lots of throws. The krewe has 560 members and was founded in 2015. It puts an emphasis on the traditions of the New Orleans Mardi Gras. 

Sunday, February 17th at l:00 pm: The Slidell Women’s Civic Club was founded in 1947. The Krewe of Slidellians kicks off this festive season with a parade along Pontchartrain Drive from Spartan Drive to Highway 11  -- and ends at Lindberg Drive.

Following behind the parade above: The Mystic Krewe of Perseus was founded in 1970, hosts 13 floats and riders in their own handmade costumes. The krewe’s 170 members throw hand-decorated plastic crabs, crab beads and slap bracelets. NOTE: A “slap bracelet” is a long piece of steel (similar to a steel tape measure) covered in fabric. It curves into a bracelet shape when it is slapped over one’s wrist.

 Sunday, February 17th during the day: The Krewe of the Pearl River Lions Club sponsors a parade that’s a celebratory event for everyone. It features 12 to 15 floats, the Pearl River High School band and cheerleaders. Families absolutely love this parade. It starts at the school and goes south on Highway #41. 

Friday, February 22nd at 7:00 pm: The popular Krewe of Eve is l00% female and was founded in 1985. It has over 400 members who wear sweatshirts with colorful designs. It parades through the streets of Mandeville at night with marching bands and 22 beautifully decorated Blaine Kern floats. It starts near the junction of Highway 22 and US 190.

We’ll give you more info next week. Stay tuned.

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Shaun Nelson-Henrick