Saturday, October 21, 2023

KREWE OF BOO!: HALLOWEEN AND THE SPIRIT OF MARDI GRAS by Guest Blogger NOLA Nellie

The Krewe of Boo!

Around the world, Carnival—a/k/a the Mardi Gras season—starts on January 6th—the Twelfth Night—and continues until Fat Tuesday. EVERYONE knows about the “official” Mardi Gras. What many people don’t realize, however, is that the Spirit of Mardi Gras is a year-round phenomenon in New Orleans.

In March, it’s St. Patrick’s Day (New Orleans St. Patrick's Day Parades (stpatricksdayneworleans.com)). In spring, it’s the Krewe of Cork’s Royal Street Roll (Home - krewe (thekreweofcork.com)). And throughout the year, if you’re lucky you catch a random Second Line. Wow!

But come October, it’s the Krewe of Boo!

Beginning at dusk (around 6:30 p.m.) today, October 21, 2023, is THE premier Halloween Event in the Big Easy (and maybe the world)—The Krewe of Boo! Parade. (Krewe of BOO! New Orleans' Official Halloween Parade).

Since 2007, the Krewe of Boo! has been the official Halloween Parade in New Orleans. The parade launches at Elysian Fields in the Marigny and progress through the French Quarter, passing along N. Peters and Decatur Streets, to Jackson Square and then towards the Warehouse District, all the way  to the Convention Center. With 450 riders, 15 floats, and 35 marching bands and dance krewes, Krewe of BOO! has grown from a single parade into a weekend full of events. Krewe of BOO! is the official Halloween parade of New Orleans.

 

Halloween themed throws include candy, plush toys, and beads. So, get ready to yell, “Throw me something, Monsta!”

And if you can’t make it in person, maybe you can catch the Krewe of Boo! on live stream at one of the internet cameras focused on the French Quarter, like:

earthcam.com/usa/louisiana/neworleans/bourbonstreet/?cam=catsmeow2 or  (earthcam.com/usa/louisiana/neworleans/bourbonstreet/?cam=bourbonstreet). 

Can’t do that? Take a look at the Krewe of BOO!'s cameo in the Tom Cruise film "Jack Reacher: Never Go Back."

5 comments:

Penny Hutson said...

How cool is that? I love Halloween! Will definitely check out the live-streaming. Looks to be an interesting time. Thanks for sharing it.

Max Jason Peterson said...

Sounds fun! This is just about my favorite time of the year. :)

Teresa Inge said...

Very cool! I'll check out the live streams. Halloween is such a big holiday now! I coordinate our Halloween event at work each year and love it! I'm going as Nancy Drew this year!

Sheryl Jordan said...

This is so cool! I never knew they had a Halloween Parade in New Orleans! I will definitely check out the live streams! Thanks for sharing this info!

Michael Rigg said...

And even if you can't locate a livestream of the parade, there are a couple of websites with various cameras in other locations. You can catch the excitement of Bourbon Street without leaving the comfort of your easy chair.

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