Though some of us have been counting down the days since January, Mardi Gras season is finally upon us! And you know what that means… parties, king cakes, and our world-famous parades. The team at the best appliance service in New Orleans loves Mardi Gras as much as you do. So we created a list of the best Mardi Gras parades to help you Laissez les bons temps rouler!
How to Experience Carnival: the Best Mardi Gras Parades
There’s a parade for every preference during Mardi Gras so our list of the Mardi Gras 2020 parade schedule includes something for everybody. From the traditional krewes to family-friendly options, we have a way for everyone to celebrate!
How Did Mardi Gras Start?
The history of Carnival began in medieval Italy and France as a form of celebration before the sacrificial fasting of Lent. French-Canadian explorers brought the tradition to the New World, with the first New Orleans celebration recorded in 1740.
Though originally celebrated with elegant balls for NOLA’s elite krewes, or social clubs, the first Mardi Gras parade began in the 1830s. Though more elaborate, today’s parades continue the tradition of floats and throw in purple, green and gold. Look no further for the best Mardi Gras parades 2020 with our list of favorites:
Krewe of Endymion
One of the best Mardi Gras parades New Orleans has to offer has been performed by this “super krewe” since 1967. With 37 floats and over 3,000 participants, the Krewe of Endymion parade is certainly the largest. Starting with a public block party and ending with an exclusive invite-only gala, this parade attracts millions of viewers every Fat Saturday.
Where: Orleans Avenue between Carollton and City Park Avenue, New Orleans
When: Saturday, February 22nd, 4:15 pm
Krewe of Bacchus
If you’re named for the Roman god of wine and merriment, you have to live up to your name. This krewe certainly does so with some of the biggest and most elaborate Mardi Gras floats. Their claim to fame also stems from crowning a celebrity Mardi Gras king to lead their parade each year.
Where: Corner of Napoleon Avenue and Tchoupitoulas Street, New Orleans
When: Sunday, February 23rd, 5:15 pm
Krewe of Little Rascals
Looking for some family-friendly Mardi-Gras fun? The Krewe of Little Rascals parade is one of the best Mardi Gras parades for kids in our very own Metairie. Founded in 1983 to enable kids to participate in Mardi Gras merriment, today’s parade features over 200 local children. The 20 floats always include one that is handicapped accessible while the krewe promotes leadership, self-esteem, and fellowship amongst its members.
Where: Intersection of El Dorado Street and Woodlawn Avenue, Metairie, LA
When: Sunday, February 9th, 12 pm
Krewe of Rex
The Krewe of Rex originated in 1872 as a way to encourage tourism to New Orleans in the wake of the Civil War. However, attracting tourists hasn’t been a concern for the past 100 years. One of the best places to watch Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans, this krewe is known for throws that become valued collectibles. Their crowned king not only leads their parade but is dubbed the King of Carnival for the year.
Where: Corner of Napoleon Avenue and S. Claiborne Street
When: Tuesday, February 25th, 10 am
Krewe of Proteus
This second-oldest parade krewe began in 1882 and the chassis that supported that original float is still used today. As a krewe steeped in history, the parade continues the tradition of keeping its king a secret as he rides in a seashell float. Performers historically throw plastic tridents and shell-shaped doubloons along the Mardi Gras parade route honoring the Greek god of the sea.
Where: Intersection of Napoleon Avenue and Magazine Street, New Orleans
When: Monday, February 24th, 5:15 pm
We hope our list of the best Mardi Gras parades embodies the joie de vivre that Carnival is all about. From all of us at Solar Appliance, enjoy the celebration!
