The Wildest New Orleans Parades Are Not To Be Missed

Photo by Cheryl Gerber

Photo by Cheryl Gerber

Two of the raunchiest, most profane parades that take place during Carnival season are Krewe du Vieux and Krewe Delusion … but they should not be missed! 

Krewe du Vieux

Previously the Krewe of Clones, Krewe du Vieux marched in the French Quarter for the first time in 1987. When the Krewe of Clones decided to clean up its act and become more family friendly, Craig "Spoons" Johnson and Don Marshall decided to keep the parade's original raucous, art-inspired spirit alive in the Krewe du Vieux Carre (“Vieux Carre," which means "Old Square," refers to the French Quarter). 

C’est Levee

Krewe du Vieux began as a ragtag collection of mule-drawn or hand-pulled handmade floats and 16 subkrewes. But by 2001, Krewe du Vieux had its first title float, and its legend was growing. In 2006, this Krewe was the first parade to march post-Katrina, and garnered national attention for its tenacity and lightheartedness in the face of tragedy. That year's theme was "C'est Levee."

Krewe du Vieux is noted for wild satire, adult themes, and political comedy, as well as for showcasing some of the best brass and jazz bands in New Orleans. This year's theme, celebrating the city's tricentennial, is 'The City of yes, yes, oh God yes' which, refers to New Orleans mayor LaToya Cantrell’s logo for the city. The 2019 King is Walter “Wolfman” Washington, one of the oldest blues players in the city.

Krewe Delusion

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Krewe Delusion, another satirical and naughty parade, rolls immediately after Krewe du Vieux. Cleopatra’s Animated Adventures is the theme, and the parade is composed of "innerkrewes,'' such as Krewe de Seuss and Skinz and Bonez.

Put on your best costume and head to the Marigny or French Quarter to catch these two parades on February 22. Krewe du Vieux rolls at 6:30 p.m., with Delusion immediately following.

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