Nobody likes a party more than Louisianans, but COVID-19 concerns have caused Mardis Gras parade shutdowns in New Orleans, Lake Charles, Point Coupee, Crowley, Youngsville, Baton Rouge, and more. However, determined residents are finding other ways to keep the spirit and tradition of this raucous event alive—proving that nobody improvises better, either.
For up-to-date information or questions about Mardi Gras activities in Louisiana, keep an eye on LouisianaTravel.com. For New Orleans, see official updates via the mayor’s office.
Below is an overview of some creative alternatives Mardi Gras revelers and participants have devised to keep the celebration alive and well this year!
The Krewe of Bacchus: Virtual Parade
Perhaps the most innovative—and interactive—is the Throw Me Something Bacchus! app, a virtual parade in your pocket, developed by the Krewe of Bacchus. The free app, available on the Apple AppStore or Google Play, allows iPhone or Android users to create their own avatar that can catch and collect throws and trade with other players. The virtual parade “rolls” on Feb. 14, and players can track its progress as they enjoy music and cameo appearances by celebrities and former parade kings, along with spectacular prizes, which include 100 gold, green, and purple bicycles!
“Mardis Gras for All Y’all” Highlights History and Culture of the Celebration
A free virtual event, “Mardi Gras for All Y’all,” will reveal a four-and-a-half-hour look at the history and culture of the celebration in a show produced by NOLA.com and Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World. Set to run in three segments over Feb. 12, 13, and 14, viewers will be treated to a celebrity-led tour of all things Mardi Gras, along with musical performances and Carnival features. You can watch it free on Nola.com, theadvocate.com, YouTube, and Facebook Live. Find out more about what is being called an “immersive experience.”
Krewe of House Floats” Brings the Mardi Gras Spirit Home
Residents all over the city of New Orleans are joining the Krewe of House Floats in decorating their homes to look like Mardi Gras parade floats, thanks to a half-jokingly suggested idea that went from zero to more than 10,000 Facebook members in no time. The idea is to create the look of a street-wide or neighborhood walk-, bike- or drive-by parade route. Check out their website for “parade maps” and participation rules; and join their Facebook group. This event also serves as a fundraiser for local artists, float builders, and others financially affected by the cancellation of the Mardi Gras parades this year.
Krewe du Pooch Goes Virtual
The annual Krewe du Pooch dog parade, costume contest, fun run/walk and fundraiser is going virtual this year. Visit the site for contest rules or learn more info at the Krewe du Pooch Facebook and Krewe du Pooch Instagram.
Let Yourself Eat King Cake
If there were ever a year to go all-out, give yourself a wonderful surprise, and enjoy the king cake of king cakes, this is it! Bakeries across the state have opened up their shipping options, and many offer curbside pickup. Here are just some great choices from across Louisiana:
New Orleans Area
- Sugar Love (Slidell)
- Marguerite’s (Slidell)
- Gracious Bakery (New Orleans)
- Manny Randazzo (Metairie)
- Haydel’s Bakery (New Orleans)
- Joe Gambinos Bakery (Metairie)
- Clauda’s King Cake Shop (Harahan)
- Antoine’s Famous Cakes & Pastries (Gretna)
- Bywater Bakery (New Orleans)
- Nonna Randazzo’s (Chalmette)
Shreveport
Monroe
Natchitoches
Alexandria
Lake Charles
Baton Rouge
Lafayette
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