The Krewe of Chewbacchus, and 69 other reasons to visit New Orleans!

If you have traditionally celebrated Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras, with a pancake breakfast, you might think of visiting New Orleans, Louisiana one day, where the celebration of excess is stretched over 40 toe tapping, bead throwing, liquor downing days! New Orleans kicked off its annual party January 6 with a nod to Joan of Arc and a feast of King Cake. Before it ends on February 9th, New Orleans will have had 70 parades to celebrate the season, including my new favourite, led by the Krewe of Chewbacchus, an intergalactic sci-fi krewe whose theme this year honours the Cult of the Sacred Drunken Wookiee.

Or if your tastes run to the more traditional, you may want to take in the Krewe of Orpheus. Founding members include Harry Connick Jr. This Krewe is famous for its celebrities, who have included Sandra Bullock, Fats Domino,and Quentin Tarantino. This year, Canadian actor Nathan Fillion of Castle fame will be at the helm.

(Sabree Hill, UptownMessenger.com)

For a taste of historical New Orleans, be sure to see the parade of the Krewe Of Rex. One of the oldest participating groups in Mardi Gras, the Krewe of Rex has held more parades than any other organization. Founded in 1872, they are the origin of many Mardi Gras traditions, including the official Carnival colors of purple, green and gold. The Krewe consists of 600 male riders and parades on the New Orleans uptown route on Mardi Gras day.
Anytime of the year, make a point to visit Mardi Gras World. Just a few minutes (and free shuttle ride) from the lower end of Canal Street, Mardi Gras World is the place where they make the magic.
Here, artists work year round to build those fantastic floats. A tour includes a short film documenting the history of the celebration and the founding of the krewes, a taste of King Cake, and then a behind the scenes look at the making of the floats. Plans for Mardi Gras 2017 will begin as early as Ash Wednesday, as workers begin to dismantle many of the floats in order to reuse and recycle parts for next year. And we can all drink to that!
Check out a complete schedule of the parades at http://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/schedule.html