No Parades, No Problem!
Though there are no parades this odd Mardi Gras, there is plenty of Mardi Gras spirit to go around. New Orlean’s residents, businesses, and Krewes, are finding creative and safe ways to celebrate this year.
Paradigm Garden’s All Inclusive Costume Party
Image from https://paradigmgardensnola.com/paradigm-carnival
Proclaiming itself “an intimate and lush private events venue hidden in the heart of New Orleans,” Paradigm Gardens brings the Mardi Gras spirit to its outdoor venue this year.
This event occuring multiple days in early February includes a scrumptious five-course Carnival themed meal prepared by chefs from Karibu Kitchen on a brick, wood-fire oven and grill with garden cocktails and local craft beers. The party will be popping with the sounds of a brass band and D.J. joined by Mardi Gras Indians. BYOB is also encouraged.
Ticket price includes entry, and all food, drink, and musical entertainment for the evening.
Feel free to BYOB! Must be 21 or older to enter.
House Float Parade
Mardi Gras home float in the Irish Channel
Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you are well aware by now that the residents of New Orleans are bringing the infamous Mardi Gras parades to life – on thier porches. Magnificant designs of grandour, humor, and nostalgia have taken over our neighborhoods for all of our delight. The home float routes are being updated daily and have taken the place of our traditional parades this year.
So what are you waiting for! Get on your bike or take a long walk and check out your neighbors designs for yourself!
Catch/Win a Coveted Muses’ Shoe
Image from https://www.instagram.com/p/B8wwfRVFvew/
Forty Five lucky participants will win a coveted Muses shoe, a traditional throw from the famed all female Krewe. To do so you simply have to enter the “Stilotto” lottery by visiting forty five of the businesses along the Muses parade route by February 11th. Winners will be chosen at random.
So get out there and start shopping! This year’s Muses shoe is sure to be a rare catch indeed!
Catch Krewe du Vieux
Image from https://www.instagram.com/p/CKrxpKRlZcp/
The local’s favorite krewe is at it again! Krewe du Vieux is known for thier boisterous, saterical, and side-bending hilarious float installations. This year they will keep us laughing with an instalation art parade route. The sub-krewe’s have put together works that you don’t want to miss.
Be sure to download the interactive map before venturing out on your journey. For a fun read, check out their yearly Le Monde de Merde, a witty periodical on the life and times of 2021.
Mardi Gras for All Y’all Virtual Event
Image from https://mardigrasforall.com/
Mardi Gras for All Y’all is a 3-day event featuring artists, chefs, and personalities at famous New Orleans venues including Mardi Gras World, Antoine’s, Dookie Chase’s and more. With appearances by Emeril Lagasse, Hoda Kotb, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Archie Manning, Marine Forces Reserve Band, and Ashton Ramsey this event is sure to delight those staying safe at home during this year’s Mardi Gras.
You can watch live each day, Feb. 12-14th at 8 PM.