Here are some random pictures from the various parades we saw while at Mardi Gras. We saw parades from several different Krewes, including Thoth, Bacchus, Orpheus, Zulu and Rex. Bacchus, Orpheus, Zulu and Rex are all so-called SuperKrewes, with hundreds of members and riders, and dozens of floats. Their parades often last over 3 hours, with marching bands, horses and riders, and just people in costume walking. They are quite a show, and to get a good spot for catching throws (beads, doubloons, cups, stuffed animals, and in the case of Zulu, hand-painted coconuts!) you often have to show up hours in advance. It's all worth it, though....show up early, and save your voice to yell "Throw me somethin', Mister!"
Riders on one of the floats of Bacchus...all of the riders on the floats are required to be masked, so that no one can recognize them. |
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One of the floats of Bacchus... |
Bacchus' theme this year was Denizen's of the Deep.... |
One of Bacchus' Riding Lieutenants. |
Members of the Zulu Pleasure and Social Club. Zulu is one of the oldest of the Krewe's, having been originally formed as a sort of "insurance" for members. The members couldn't afford masks, so they instead wore facepaint. Their black and white paint schemes are among the most highly recognized symbols of Mardi Gras. |
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This is the King of Zulu, a post that changes every year. This year's King was known as "Big Man". |
This is the banner of a walking club: Mondo Kayo Social and Marching Club |
Members of the Mondo Kayo Krewe marching the streets of NOLA. |