Carnival is the season, Mardi Gras is the day
First learn the basics of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Get ready to party, the parades start in earnest this weekend. Here's the scoop.
Friday, February 9th
Oshun starts things off at 6 p.m. Uptown on the tradidional route from Napoleon Avenue, up St. Charles Avenue to Canal Street. It rolls at 6 p.m. with a theme of "The Second Time Around" played out in 14 floats.
Pygmalion follows at 6:45 with LSU football coach Les Miles leading 15 floats as grand marshal. This year's theme is "Pygmalion's Mystical Journey."
In the French Quarter, The Krewe of Cork , wine lovers dressed in corks and grape clusters will leave the Court of Two Sisters on Royal stree at about 3:00 p.m. to wander through the Quarter. The marchers will wonder around and end up at the Royal Sonesta where a party with dinner and dancing will be held.
Saturday, February 10th offers four parades on the Uptown route, so get ready and bring a big bag for throws.
First to roll at 1 p.m. is Pontchartrain with 14 floats and a theme of "Can You Complete the Saing of Jingle?"
Shangri-La follows at 2 p.m. with the Budweiser Clydesdales and 18 floats celebrating the "Renaissance of New Orleans."
Sparta rolls at 6 p.m. with a mule-drawn king's float and traditional flambeaux to light the way. Sparta has 16 floats to illustrate its theme of "By the Gods."
Pegasus is the final parade of the day, rolling at 6:45. This year Pegasus is celebrating its 50th anniversary with special throws.
Sunday, February 11th
Sunday starts early with Carrollton rolling at 11 a.m. this year the theme is "Celebrate Good Times" and there are 23 floats.
King Arthur rolls at 1:15, celebrating its 30th anniversary with 24 floats and special throws to make the occasion.
Gone to the dogs
For something totally different, go into the French Quarter on Sunday for the Mystic Krewe of Barkus. The 2007 Parade starts at Armstrong Park promptly at 2pm. This all=dog krewe is great fun Get the details
