We wanted to go to one of the large Mardi Gras Parades. The locals had advised us to think twice about going to one in New Orleans.
So we chose one in Metairie. It is only about 8 miles from New Orleans. Each Mardi Gras parade is done by a Krewe. A Krewe is an organization that puts on a ball or parade for the Carnival season.
The parade we went to was organized by the Krewe of Caesar.
Founded in 1979, the Krewe of Caesar takes the name of an actual historical figure rather than a myth as many other Krewe's have done. Formed by more than 800 men and women members, Caesar is the largest Carnival organization in Jefferson Parish history. This organization is known for spectacular costumes for members of the royal court, with fiber-optics, neon and three-dimensional figures adorning the enormous costume collars. The Krewe of Caesar is also known as the Roma Club.
Darth Vader and the Star Wars Group of the 501st Legion was chosen as Grand Marshal of the Krewe of Caesar Parade for 2016.
The theme for 2016 was Caesar's Storybook.
We watched the parade on Bonnabel Boulevard that is in a neighborhood of pretty houses with a large grassy median separating the road lanes.
The crowd was made up mainly of families. The children were so excited. They patiently waited for the street to close so they could go out and toss footballs and frisbee's with their friends.
But once the parade started the focus was on what was being thrown from the floats and how they could outrun everyone else to catch it.
There was so much being thrown! Stuffed animals, souvenir cups, doubloons, frisbees, trinkets and beads. Beads and more beads.
The costumes and lighting were spectacular.
It was as if each one was prettier than the last.
The neon artwork has been a part of the parades since 1938.
Dad's build seats on ladders for their children so that they have a good view and a better chance to catch the items that are thrown from the floats.
Thousands of dollars go into the making of the floats not to mention all the time spent in creating them and the costumes.
"Where the Wild Things Are"............one of my favorite children's books.
Winnie the Pooh and Tigger too.
Look at those cute dimples.
A pirate or two.
Oh Pinocchio what lies have you been telling?
Buzz Lightyear was there.
Charlotte had spun her web.
The Krewe of Caesar's signature float is the Hydra, a mythic beast that had the body of a serpent with many heads and known for emerging from it’s swamp home and attacking local villagers and their cattle.
Pretty scary sight.
I LOVED the parade. I am sure it didn't have the excitement and crazy behavior of the ones in the French Quarter but it was safe and a feast for the eyes.
My first strand of beads was put around my neck by a nice man along with a Mardi Gras kiss on the cheek. And from there I got more than my share of beads, doubloons, a cup and a frisbee.
It was fun to experience the magic of Mardi Gras.