Claire and John Olivier, of Church Point, have been riding on the Krewe of Olympus float in the Scott Mardi Gras Parade for years, but this year was different. They said they were denied entry into The 1100-plus members of the all-female Krewe of Muses roll down the Uptown route on a 26-float parade entitled "Muses the Musical" on Thursday, February 28, 2019. Known for its spectacular parades, floats, marching bands, throws, and King cake, Mardi Gras is the biggest celebration in New Orleans. The first recorded Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans took Meet the family behind the famous Mardi Gras floats. 04:56. TODAY anchors take a tasty whirlwind trip around New Orleans. 08:11. 3rd Hour of TODAY kicks off Mardi Gras in New Orleans. 04:22. The Boeuf Gras float rolls down St. Charles Avenue on Mardi Gras Day as the 440 riders of Rex, King of Carnival, celebrate their 150th year with a 26-float parade entitled School of Design The Slidell krewe Poseidon is rolling with the theme "What a Wonderful World" with 750+ riders on 26 floats. The Southern University "Human Jukebox," the Mande Milkshakers, the Golden Sioux Mardi Gras Indians, the Honey Island Clydesdales, and many more groups will be entertaining the crowds. About the experts. Jonathan Bertucceli is a third-generation float maker and the owner of Studio 3, a design studio that makes Mardi Gras floats.; Arthur Hardy is a fifth-generation New Orleanian Fat Tuesday 2023 was like no other Mardi Gras celebration because my sister and I were invited to be first-time parade riders for the Krewe of Argus. The membership dues to join the Krewe of Argus are only $400. That fee gets you into an Open house party, Lundi Gras Cookout, Mardi Gras Day refreshments, ride, costume, and Post Parade Party! The 2025 Carnival Season -- marked by a weekslong pre-Lenten bash and complete with colorful parades, shimmery beads tossed from floats and streets lined with costumed revelers -- is reaching its conclusion on the Gulf Coast. For many Mardi Gras parade-goers, gazing up at the masked float-riders can be an experience both awe-worthy and full of envy. How much fun they must be having, throwing beads, trinkets, and toys to massive crowds vying for their attention. Endymion (March 1, 2025): Endymion is the largest and most extravagant parade of Mardi Gras, featuring enormous illuminated floats, celebrity riders, and an electric atmosphere. The parade culminates in the Endymion Extravaganza, a massive after-party with live music and thousands of attendees. The history and traditions of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Let’s take a look behind the mask. What’s the history of Mardi Gras in New Orleans? Louisiana was founded by explorer Pierre Le Moyne D’Iberville on Mardi Gras Day 1699 and the party hasn’t stopped yet. Read more Carnival history here. Why do the dates for Mardi Gras change every Riding on a float in a Mardi Gras parade — bestowing coveted baubles into the outstretched hands of a jazzed crowd — can be quite a thrill. Fortunately for those with a yen to play Santa Claus, some parading krewes let outsiders join in the fun — for a price. Other Ways to Ride on Mardi Gras Float at Universal Orlando in 2025. Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience. Reserve a guaranteed spot on one of our spectacular Mardi Gras parade floats. Plus, enjoy a 3-course meal from participating Universal Orlando restaurants. It’s the Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience, an unforgettable night Enjoy the final ride on your float after the last trinket is thrown. Soak up the moment and the joy of what you just got to do! Mardi Gras is one of the greatest shows on Earth and you were just a part of it! When you exit the float, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR HARNESS! L’aissez les bon temps rouler! These float rider masks are purchased in mass quantities, usually from Chinese manufacturers, for the krewe members whose chief task is to deliver throws to the parade audience. All were worn by float riders during Mardi Gras 2019. Revelers go all-out in attempts to catch these, including dressing in colorful costumes, making posters and holding out butterfly nets and targets for float riders to throw to. There is a city ordinance in Orleans Parish that prohibits Mardi Gras from being commercialized. No corporate sponsorships are allowed on floats. Riding on a float in a Mardi Gras parade — bestowing coveted baubles into the outstretched hands of a jazzed crowd — can be quite a thrill. Fortunately for those with a yen to play Santa Claus, some parading krewes let outsiders join in the fun — for a price. The Golden Age of Mardi Gras Floats source: life.com. By the early 20th century, Mardi Gras floats had become a defining element of the celebration. Krewes such as Zulu, founded in 1909, introduced unique themes and satirical floats that humorously depicted current events and public figures. Interestingly enough, it’s against Louisiana law to wear masks, hoods, or any type of facial disguise in public, with one exception being Mardi Gras festivities. In fact, all float riders must wear a mask or paint their faces according to state law. 3. It’s just a day, not an entire season
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