Immerse yourself in the vibrant spectacle of New Orleans parades in 2024. The city’s renowned calendar of festivities promises an array of parades, each showcasing its unique theme, musical accompaniment, and elaborate floats.

From the grandeur of Mardi Gras to the rhythm of Jazz Fest, New Orleans parades captivate with their colorful costumes, lively music, and enthusiastic crowds. Whether you’re a seasoned parade-goer or a first-time visitor, prepare to be swept up in the infectious energy and unforgettable atmosphere.

As the city gears up for the 2024 parade season, it’s an ideal time to plan your visit and experience the magic firsthand. In the following sections, we delve into the details of major parades and provide tips for navigating the festivities.

## New Orleans Parades 2024

Mark your calendars for an extraordinary parade season in New Orleans in 2024. Here are 8 key highlights to keep in mind:

• Mardi Gras Extravaganza
• Krewe of Bacchus Extravaganza
• Endymion Extravaganza
• Krewe of Zulu Extravaganza
• Krewe of Rex Extravaganza
• Krewe of Orpheus Extravaganza
• Krewe of Hermes Extravaganza
• Krewe of Proteus Extravaganza

Prepare to be mesmerized by the grandeur, creativity, and infectious spirit that define New Orleans parades.

### Mardi Gras Extravaganza

The pinnacle of New Orleans parades, Mardi Gras is a spectacle that captivates the city and visitors alike. The 2024 Mardi Gras season promises an array of parades, each with its own unique flair, leading up to Fat Tuesday on March 5th.

• Krewe of Rex

  Known as the “King of Carnival,” Rex parades on Mardi Gras Day with elaborate floats, lavish costumes, and a majestic atmosphere.

• Krewe of Zulu

  A unique and spirited parade, Zulu features satirical floats, vibrant costumes, and the iconic Zulu coconut throw.

• Krewe of Endymion

  One of the largest and most popular parades, Endymion rolls on the Saturday before Mardi Gras, showcasing dazzling floats and celebrity grand marshals.

• Krewe of Bacchus

  Known for its lavish floats and celebrity riders, Bacchus parades on Sunday before Mardi Gras, bringing a touch of Hollywood glamour to the festivities.

The energy and excitement of Mardi Gras parades are palpable, creating an unforgettable experience for all who witness them. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and spectacle of New Orleans during this extraordinary time.

### Krewe of Bacchus Extravaganza

The Krewe of Bacchus is renowned for its lavish floats, celebrity riders, and exuberant atmosphere. Rolling on Sunday before Mardi Gras, Bacchus brings a touch of Hollywood glamour to the festivities.

• Celebrity Grand Marshals

  Bacchus is known for attracting an impressive roster of celebrity grand marshals, ranging from actors and musicians to athletes and politicians.

• Elaborate Floats

  The floats of Bacchus are works of art, adorned with intricate designs, vibrant colors, and larger-than-life sculptures.

• Spectacular Lighting

  Bacchus parades at night, and its floats are illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a magical and unforgettable spectacle.

• Energetic Crowds

  The crowds along the Bacchus parade route are enthusiastic and lively, adding to the overall festive atmosphere.

Experiencing the Krewe of Bacchus Extravaganza is a must for any visitor to New Orleans during Mardi Gras. Its combination of celebrity sightings, elaborate floats, and infectious energy makes it a truly unforgettable parade.

### Endymion Extravaganza

The Krewe of Endymion is one of the largest and most popular parades in New Orleans, rolling on the Saturday before Mardi Gras. Known for its dazzling floats, celebrity grand marshals, and energetic atmosphere, Endymion brings a unique blend of spectacle and excitement to the parade season.

Endymion’s floats are renowned for their elaborate designs and towering heights. They feature intricate sculptures, vibrant colors, and a variety of themes, from mythological figures to pop culture icons.

Another highlight of the Endymion Extravaganza is its celebrity grand marshals. Endymion has a long history of attracting A-list celebrities to lead the parade, including actors, musicians, athletes, and politicians. Past grand marshals have included Tom Cruise, Oprah Winfrey, and Beyoncé.

The crowds along the Endymion parade route are enthusiastic and lively, adding to the overall festive atmosphere. The parade is also known for its energetic music, with marching bands and floats blasting out a mix of traditional Mardi Gras tunes and contemporary hits.

Experiencing the Endymion Extravaganza is a must for any visitor to New Orleans during Mardi Gras. Its combination of dazzling floats, celebrity sightings, and infectious energy makes it a truly unforgettable parade.

### Krewe of Zulu Extravaganza

The Krewe of Zulu is a unique and spirited parade that has become an iconic part of the New Orleans Mardi Gras tradition. Rolling on Mardi Gras Day, Zulu features satirical floats, vibrant costumes, and the famous Zulu coconut throw.

Zulu’s floats are known for their clever and often humorous themes, often poking fun at current events or social issues. The krewe’s signature float is the “Zulu King’s Float,” which carries the Zulu King and Queen and is adorned with elaborate decorations and Zulu symbols.

Zulu members wear colorful and intricate costumes, often featuring feathers, beads, and other traditional African elements. The krewe’s signature color is purple, and many members wear purple robes or suits.

One of the highlights of the Zulu parade is the Zulu coconut throw. Zulu members toss coconuts into the crowd, and catching a Zulu coconut is considered good luck. The coconuts are decorated with the Zulu logo and often have the year of the parade painted on them.

The Krewe of Zulu Extravaganza is a vibrant and lively parade that celebrates African-American culture and heritage. It is a must-see for any visitor to New Orleans during Mardi Gras.

### Krewe of Rex Extravaganza

The Krewe of Rex is known as the “King of Carnival” and parades on Mardi Gras Day with elaborate floats, lavish costumes, and a majestic atmosphere.

• Rex, King of Carnival

  The highlight of the Rex parade is the float carrying Rex, King of Carnival. Rex is a mythical figure who presides over the Mardi Gras festivities.

• Elaborate Floats

  Rex’s floats are renowned for their intricate designs and towering heights. They feature a variety of themes, from historical events to mythological figures.

• Lavish Costumes

  Rex members wear elaborate and elegant costumes, often adorned with feathers, beads, and other opulent materials.

• Prestigious Membership

  Membership in the Krewe of Rex is highly sought after, and the krewe has a long history of prominent members, including politicians, business leaders, and celebrities.

The Krewe of Rex Extravaganza is a grand and unforgettable parade that embodies the spirit and pageantry of New Orleans Mardi Gras.

### Krewe of Orpheus Extravaganza

The Krewe of Orpheus is known for its vibrant floats, energetic music, and celebrity riders. Rolling on the Monday before Mardi Gras, Orpheus brings a touch of musical magic to the parade season.

• Musical Extravaganza

  Orpheus is famous for its musical floats, which feature live bands playing a mix of traditional Mardi Gras tunes and contemporary hits.

• Celebrity Riders

  Orpheus attracts a star-studded lineup of celebrity riders, including musicians, actors, and athletes.

• Elaborate Floats

  Orpheus’s floats are known for their intricate designs and colorful decorations.

• Energetic Crowds

  The crowds along the Orpheus parade route are enthusiastic and lively, dancing and singing along to the music.

The Krewe of Orpheus Extravaganza is a vibrant and energetic parade that celebrates the musical spirit of New Orleans.

### Krewe of Hermes Extravaganza

The Krewe of Hermes is known for its satirical floats and elaborate costumes, often poking fun at current events and social issues. Rolling on the Thursday before Mardi Gras, Hermes brings a touch of humor and wit to the parade season.

Hermes’s floats are renowned for their clever and often hilarious themes. The krewe’s signature float is the “Hermes Mobile,” which features a large, papier-mâché head of the Greek god Hermes atop a float. Other floats often feature satirical takes on politicians, celebrities, and social trends.

Hermes members wear colorful and elaborate costumes, often incorporating elements of mythology and fantasy. The krewe’s signature color is gold, and many members wear gold robes or suits.

The Krewe of Hermes Extravaganza is a unique and entertaining parade that showcases the satirical spirit of New Orleans. It is a must-see for any visitor who wants to experience the full range of Mardi Gras parades.

### Krewe of Proteus Extravaganza

The Krewe of Proteus is the oldest continuously operating Mardi Gras krewe in New Orleans. Rolling on the Saturday before Mardi Gras, Proteus is known for its elegant floats, elaborate costumes, and royal court.

Proteus’s floats are renowned for their intricate designs and classical themes. The krewe’s signature float is the “Proteus Tableau,” which features a large, tableau-like scene depicting a mythological or historical event. Other floats often feature Greek gods and goddesses, Roman emperors, and other classical figures.

Proteus members wear elegant and elaborate costumes, often inspired by ancient Greece and Rome. The krewe’s signature color is purple, and many members wear purple robes or suits.

The Krewe of Proteus Extravaganza is a grand and elegant parade that showcases the rich history and traditions of New Orleans Mardi Gras. It is a must-see for any visitor who wants to experience the full range of Mardi Gras parades.

### FAQ

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about New Orleans Parades 2024:

Question 1: When is Mardi Gras in 2024?
Answer: Mardi Gras is on Tuesday, March 5, 2024.

Question 2: What are the dates of the major parades?
Answer: The major parades roll on the following dates:
– Krewe of Rex: Mardi Gras Day, March 5
– Krewe of Zulu: Mardi Gras Day, March 5
– Krewe of Endymion: Saturday before Mardi Gras, March 2
– Krewe of Bacchus: Sunday before Mardi Gras, March 3
– Krewe of Orpheus: Monday before Mardi Gras, March 4
– Krewe of Hermes: Thursday before Mardi Gras, February 28
– Krewe of Proteus: Saturday before Mardi Gras, March 2

Question 3: Where can I find the parade routes?
Answer: The parade routes can be found on the official website of the City of New Orleans:

Question 4: What time do the parades start?
Answer: The parades typically start rolling in the late afternoon or early evening. The exact start times vary depending on the parade.

Question 5: How can I get to the parades?
Answer: You can get to the parades by walking, taking a taxi or ride-sharing service, or taking public transportation.

Question 6: What should I bring to the parades?
Answer: Be sure to bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a hat. You may also want to bring a chair or blanket to sit on, and some snacks and drinks.

Question 7: What are some tips for staying safe at the parades?
Answer: Here are some tips for staying safe at the parades:
– Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.
– Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
– If you are intoxicated, please do not drive.

These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about New Orleans Parades 2024. For more information, please visit the official website of the City of New Orleans.

### Tips

Here are four practical tips for experiencing New Orleans Parades 2024:

Tip 1: Arrive early to secure a good spot.
The parades can get very crowded, so it’s best to arrive early to secure a good spot along the parade route. If you want to be close to the floats, you should arrive at least an hour before the parade starts. If you’re happy to be further back, you can arrive a little later.

Tip 2: Bring comfortable shoes and sunscreen.
You’ll be doing a lot of walking and standing at the parades, so it’s important to wear comfortable shoes. You should also bring sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun, especially if you’re going to be outside for an extended period of time.

Tip 3: Stay hydrated.
It’s important to stay hydrated, especially in the hot New Orleans weather. Bring a water bottle or two to the parades, and make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Tip 4: Be aware of your surroundings.
The parades can be crowded and chaotic, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye on your belongings and be careful not to get separated from your group.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience at the New Orleans Parades 2024.

### Conclusion

The New Orleans Parades 2024 promise to be a vibrant and unforgettable celebration of the city’s unique culture and heritage. With a diverse lineup of parades, each with its own distinctive theme and atmosphere, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Whether you’re a seasoned parade-goer or a first-time visitor, be sure to plan ahead and arrive early to secure a good spot along the parade route. And don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Most importantly, remember to have fun and embrace the spirit of Mardi Gras. New Orleans is a city that knows how to celebrate, and the parades are a perfect opportunity to let loose and enjoy the moment.