The Family Guide to MARDI GRAS What’s New
Different parade routes and new safety rules mean Mardi Gras 2022 could see a lot of changes. Here’s what’s new for this year’s Carnival season. In December, Mayor LaToya Cantrell and the Mardi Gras Advisory Council announced changes to Mardi Gras parade routes. While some krewes and parade goers may be unhappy with the changes, they are meant to greatly improve public safety. Let’s just roll with it! The Krewe of Thoth were disappointed that their updated route would not cross paths with the Children’s Hospital or other facilities they normally greet. Instead, this krewe will begin at Napoleon Avenue and Prytania Street before turning right onto St. Charles Avenue down to Égalité Circle. There, they will turn back onto St. Charles street, leading to Canal Street. A final right turn onto Tchoupitoulas Street will lead the parade to its end on Poydras Street. The Krewe of Endymion’s route is now over five miles long with the parade turning right onto Elk Place and Loyola Avenue instead of onto St. Charles Avenue. A right turn onto Girod Street will lead into the Caesars Superdome where the Extravaganza mega-party will begin. The longest-serving captain in Mardi Gras, Ed Muniz, announced that on Saturday, February 26 Diana Ross and Maroon 5 will headline along with Party on the Moon, Groovy 7, and The Wiseguys. The Krewe of Zulu will keep most of its traditional route beginning at S. Claiborne and Jackson Avenue. The modifications then include a left turn onto Poydras Street after passing Gallier Hall then a right turn onto Loyola Avenue. The Zulu krewe will then continue its original route on Basin Street. The Krewe of Rex’s parade route will remain mostly the same, the only change being a start on Napoleon Avenue and Carondelet Street instead of South Claiborne Avenue and Napoleon Avenue. Following suit, the Krewe of Elks followed by the Krewe of Crescent City will remain on their original route, allowing them to turn left onto Poydras Street from St. Charles Avenue then continue on Poydras Street until the krewes disband.
Top Safety Tips
Mardi Gras safety, with kids in tow, is an essential part of parade day planning. We’ve got tips to make it work.
Temporary Tattoo
A permanent marker and a layer of clear nail polish creates a temporary tattoo good for identification. Write out your child’s name, important phone numbers and health information like “Asthmatic.”
Parade Day Photo
Snap a photo with your phone of your child. This can be a major help to the police if they get lost. This will give them a greater chance of being reunited quickly.
Matchy-Matchy
Color coordinated or otherwise matching shirts for “the gang” could help family members recognize each other if separated. Watchful strangers could also identify any stragglers and corral them back. It takes a village.
Emergency Change of Clothes
Packing another set of clothes and an extra pull-up or diaper can save you a lot
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of trouble in the long run. Accidents happen and you’re going to want to get back to the fun ASAP.
Potties
Bathroom breaks are probably the last thing on your mind, but planning ahead is going to help you out. Our best advice is to be sure to bring cash. Participating restaurants and bars on the parade routes will offer pay-per-visit access to their restrooms or day passes. Your best bet might be to find a friend that lives on or near the route. Coordinate ahead of time, and put together a thank-you gift to stay in their good graces.
Noise Control and Sunglasses
Mardi Gras safety extends to the ears and eyes, especially if your child has sensory issues but doesn’t want to miss the fun.
Sanitizer
Beads that you scooped up off the ground are one of the least sanitary things at a Mardi Gras parade. Try to avoid having your child pick them up but do keep hand sanitizer or wipes on-hand just in case.
Start of the Route
Most parades are calmer at the beginning. If you would like to avoid the rowdiness (and misthrown beads-turned-missiles when riders are less careful), an expeditious retreat midway might be in your best interest. Treat yourselves to New Orleans cuisine or a headstart on post-parade traffic.
Top Kid-Fun Parades
Some are day parades, some night, but all are fun for the whole family.
French Quarter
Krewedelusion, Feb. 12 Krewe of Barkus, Feb. 20
Marigny
Krewe of Chewbacchus, Feb. 5 ‘tit Rex, Feb. 13
Uptown
Krewe of King Arthur, Feb. 20 Krewe of Muses, Feb. 24 Krewe of Thoth, Feb. 27 Krewe of Rex, Mar. 1
Mid-City
Krewe of Endymion, Feb. 26
Metairie
Krewe of Excalibur, Feb. 18 Krewe of MadHatters, Feb. 19 Krewe of Atlas, Feb. 20 Krewe of Athena, Feb. 27 Krewe of Elks, Jeffersonians, Mar. 1
