The Photo Blur invades New Orleans for Mardi Gras 2023
The opportunity arose for me to be in New Orleans during Mardi Gras, so I couldn’t pass up the chance to bring my gear and capture a few days of festivities. In addition to the numerous parades I witnessed, I braved the night and hit the famous Bourbon Street in the French Quarter to take in the festivities there.
Krewe of Zulu Parade
One of the season’s most anticipated and remarkable parades is presented by Zulu, named after the fiercest of the African tribes. Seven years before the black krewe’s 1916 incorporation, the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club’s first King, William Story, spoofed Rex by wearing a lard can crown and by ruling with a banana stalk scepter. The most famous Krewe of Zulu king was Louis Armstrong, who ruled in 1949. Zulu’s honor guard is called the Soulful Warriors, and they, along with Big Shot, Witch Doctor, Ambassador, Mayor, Province Prince, Governor and Mr. Big Stuff, all liven-up the Fat Tuesday crowd. (1)
Krewe of Rex Parade
The Rex Procession has been the highlight of Mardi Gras day since the Rex Organization was formed and first paraded in 1872. While there had been celebrations in many forms on Mardi Gras before that time, the Rex Parade gave a brilliant daytime focus to the festivities, and provided a perfect opportunity for Rex, King of Carnival, to greet his city and his subjects. The Rex Procession today is true to the long tradition of rich themes, elegant design, and floats built with traditional materials and designs. Most of Rex's floats are built on old wooden wagons with wood-spoked wheels. In recent years the theme and design of the parade have been suggested in advance of the parade with the publication of Parade Bulletins, designed to give the public a glimpse of what will roll from the Rex Den on Mardi Gras day. (2)
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(1) https://www.neworleans.com/event/krewe-of-zulu/3409/
(2) https://www.rexorganization.com/Parade