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Guide to Mardi Gras 2022 in New Orleans: See parade information, route changes, more

Mardi Gras parade.
Mnapoli/Licensed through Canstock
Mardi Gras parade.

After last year’s brief hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, parades and revelry are making a comeback in south Louisiana for Carnival 2022.

With the passing of Twelfth Night on Jan. 6, krewe planning is revving up in New Orleans, Baton Rouge and across the Gulf Coast for Mardi Gras. This year is particularly special, marking the return of parades that were canceled in 2021 due to the pandemic.

But there will be some changes this year to note, including shortened routes in New Orleans to accommodate the challenging NOPD staffing shortages.

Read on to find out more about the revelries happening in New Orleans and Baton Rouge in 2022.

Sunday, Jan. 30

1:00 PM - Krewe of Nefertiti

Now in its second year as the parade that rolls in New Orleans East, this all-female krewe begins its 1990s-themed parade at the corner of Bullard Avenue and Lake Forest Boulevard in and wraps up on Read Boulevard near Dwyer Road.

Saturday, Feb. 5

7:00 PM - Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus

This science-fiction themed space cult and conglomeration of subkrewes begins its journey at the corner of Homer Plessy Way and Chartres Street, and finishes on Conti near Decatur streets.

Friday, Feb. 11

7:00 PM - Krewe Bohème

This krewe of artists and creatives begins their route at Franklin Avenue near Dauphine Street and finishes at the Joy Theater for an after party.

Saturday, Feb. 12

6:30 PM - Krewe du Vieux

KdV made some adjustments ahead of its walking parade in the Marigny and French Quarter, including changes to their route, which would have begun at Royal Street and Homer Plessy Way. Instead, the raucous krewe’s route begins at Elysian Fields Avenue and Royal Street and ends at the Sugar Mill building in the Warehouse District. KdV’s theme this year is “Vaxxed and Confused.”

Following Krewe du Vieux - krewedelusion

krewedelusion’s theme will be kept a secret until the day of the parade. The route begins at the corner of Franklin Avenue and Royal Street and ends at d.b.a. on Frenchmen Street.

Friday, Feb. 18

3:00 PM - Krewe of Cork

This krewe celebrates wine and its consumption each year with a parade beginning on Royal Street between St. Peter and Toulouse streets, and ending on Conti Street near Royal and Bourbon streets.

6:00 PM - Krewe of Oshun

Named for a Yoruba goddess, this krewe also engages in community service throughout the year. The parade begins at the intersection of Napoleon Avenue and Prytania Street and ends at Tchoupitoulas and Poydras streets.

6:00 PM - Krewe of Cleopatra

This all-female krewe follows the same route as the Krewe of Oshun and ends with a post-parade party, the Cleo Jubilee.

Following Krewe of Cleopatra - Krewe of ALLA

This krewe follows the same route as the Krewes of Oshun and Cleopatra. Parading this year with an Atlantis theme, the krewe has thrown hand-decorated genie lamps since 1932.

6:30 PM - Krewe of Excalibur

Straight out of Arthurian legend, the Krewe of Excalibur is led by knights on horseback. The parade begins at the intersection of Bonnabel Boulevard and Nero Street and ends at the Clearview Shopping Center in Metairie.

Following Krewe of Excalibur - Krewe of Symphony

This all-male krewe began parading in Jefferson Parish in 2020, the last year Mardi Gras took place before the coronavirus pandemic canceled the following year’s festivities. It follows the same parade route at the Krewe of Excalibur.

Saturday, Feb. 19

1:00 PM - Krewe of Pontchartrain

The Krewe of Pontchartrain begins its route at the intersection of Napoleon Avenue and Prytania Street and ends on Tchoupitoulas and Poydras streets.

Following Krewe of Pontchartrain - Krewe of Choctaw

Named after a Native American tribe indigenous to the Southeastern U.S., this krewe passes out hand-decorated toy tomahawks along the same route as the Krewe of Pontchartrain.

Following Krewe of Choctaw - Krewe of Freret

The Krewe of Freret will distribute hand-made masks along the same route as the Krewe of Pontchartrain. The krewe plans to begin its parade at 3:30 PM.

5:00 PM - Magical Krewe of Mad Hatters

Metairie’s wildest haberdashers come together in this Wonderland-themed parade, founded in 2019. The route begins at the intersection of Bonnabel Boulevard and Nero Street and ends at Houma Boulevard near Clearview Shopping Center.

5:30 PM - Knights of Sparta

This all-male krewe will travel the same route as the Krewe of Pontchartrain, beginning at the intersection of Napoleon Avenue and Prytania Street and ending at Tchoupitoulas and Poydras streets.

Following Knights of Sparta - Krewe of Pygmalion

This krewe of experienced revelers has been rolling since 2000. This year, along with Krewe of Freret and Sparta, Pygmalion will include former members of the Krewe of Nyx. The Krewe of Pygmalion follows the same route as the Knights of Sparta.

6:30 PM - Krewe of Centurions

This co-ed krewe, named after the 100-man Roman warrior companies, distributes hand-decorated swords to parade goers along the same route as the Magical Krewe of Mad Hatters.

Sunday, Feb. 20

11:00 AM - Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale

With 750 female riders, including a 40-member dance krewe, the Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale will begin its route at the intersection of Napoleon Avenue and Prytania Street and end at Tchoupitoulas and Poydras streets.

Following the Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale - Krewe of Carrollton

This all-male krewe is New Orleans’ fourth-oldest Carnival organization and is known for throwing hand-decorated shrimp boots. The Krewe of Carrollton parades along the same route as the Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale.

Following Krewe of Carrollton - Krewe of King Arthur

With more than 1,700 members, this is one of New Orleans’ largest Mardi Gras krewes. The Krewe of King Arthur follows the same route as the Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale and the Krewe of Carrollton.

2:00 PM - Mystic Krewe of Barkus

It has all the key elements of any other Carnival parade: throws, costumes and a crowned court. But those in this Mardi Gras krewe are much cuter. Yes, this French Quarter walking parade is for the dogs (and their human companions). It begins at North Rampart Street at St. Ann and winds its way back at North Rampart and Orleans.

4:00 PM - Krewe of Atlas

The Krewe of Atlas emphasizes inclusivity and believes that Mardi Gras is a celebration to be shared by everyone. The group is based in Shreveport but parades along the Metairie westbound route, beginning at the corner of Bonnabel Boulevard and Nero Street and ending at the Clearview Shopping Center.

Wednesday, Feb. 23

6:15 PM - Krewe of Ancient Druids

Named after the ancient priests of Celtic society, the identities of this krewe’s 250 male riders remain secret. The parade begins at the intersection of Napoleon Avenue and Prytania Street and ends at Tchoupitoulas and Poydras streets.

6:45 PM - Mystic Krewe of Nyx

With nearly 3,500 female riders, the Mystic Krewe of Nyx is one of New Orleans’ largest and newest all-female krewes. The krewe begins its parade just after the Krewe of Ancient Druids and follows the same route.

Thursday, Feb. 24

5:30 PM - Knights of Babylon

The Knights of Babylon are one of New Orleans’ oldest all-male krewes. Formed in 1939, the Knights still use the same float designs as their founding members and throw jesters on sticks to parade goers. The parade begins at the intersection of Napoleon Avenue and Prytania Street and ends at Canal Street and Decatur Street.

Following the Knights of Babylon - Knights of Chaos

Watch this all-male, satirical krewe to find out its theme and king the night it rolls. The route begins at Napoleon Avenue and Prytania Street just after the Knights of Babylon, but ends at Canal Street and Roosevelt Way.

Following Knights of Chaos - Krewe of Muses

With more than 1,000 female riders, the Krewe of Muses throws cups designed by community members and hand-decorated, high-heeled shoes. The parade begins at the intersection of Napoleon Avenue and Prytania Street, winds around Lee Circle and ends at the intersection of Tchoupitoulas and St. Joseph streets.

Friday, Feb. 25

11:30 AM - Krewe of Bosom Buddies (And Breast Friends)

This walking krewe, comprised of “fabulous women and the men who support them,” begins at the corner of St. Louis and Bourbon streets and ends at Bourbon and Conti streets.

5:30 PM - Mystic Krewe of Hermes

New Orleans’ longest-running night parade krewe begins its route at the corner of Napoleon Avenue and Prytania Street, travels around Lee Circle and ends on Baronne near Canal streets.

6:30 PM - Krewe d’Etat

Krewe d’Etat puts on a satirical parade each year, never revealing the identity of its leader — known as the Dictator — and keeping its themes secret until the day of the parade. The route begins at Napoleon Avenue and Prytania Street, winds around Lee Circle, and ends at the intersection of Canal and Chartres streets.

7:00 PM - Krewe of Morpheus

This krewe strives for a classic parade experience. Named for the Greek God of dreams, the krewe distributes handmade sleep masks and other dreamy throws to paradegoers. The parade begins at the intersection of Napoleon Avenue and Prytania Street, winds around Lee Circle and ends at the intersection of Tchoupitoulas and Andrew Higgins streets.

Saturday, Feb. 26

10:45 AM - Krewe of NOMTOC

The West Bank Krewe of New Orleans Most Talked Of Club’s parade features bands, marching units, horses, motorcycles and more. The route begins at the intersection of Holiday Drive and Wall Boulevard and ends at the intersection of Gen. Meyer Avenue and Shirley Drive.

11:00 AM - Krewe of Iris

New Orleans’ oldest all-female krewe, known for throwing sunglasses, doubloons and King Cake babies, begins its route at the intersection of Napoleon Avenue and Carondelet Street and ends at the intersection of Tchoupitoulas and Poydras streets.

12:00 PM - Krewe of Tucks

Started by a group of Loyola University students, the Krewe of Tucks is known for its sense of humor. The krewe throws decorated toilet brushes starting at the intersection of Napoleon Avenue and Prytania Street, and ends its route at Tchoupitoulas and Poydras streets.

4:15 PM - Krewe of Endymion

With 3,200 riders and 80-plus floats, Endymion has rightfully earned its Super-Krewe status. This Mid-City favorite also has a celebrity Grand Marshall each year, with this year’s being Raymond Arroyo, a television journalist and author who is from New Orleans. Endymion begins its route at the corner of City Park and Orleans avenues and ends when it reaches the Caesars Superdome.

6:00 PM - Krewe of Isis

Named after the Egyptian goddess of nature, magic and death, this all-female krewe returned to Kenner for the 2020 Carnival season after nearly four decades of parading in Metairie. Riders will throw decorated bras and more along the route, beginning at Esplanade Mall and ending at the Pontchartrain Convention and Civic Center.

Sunday, Feb. 27

11:00 AM - Krewe of Okeanos

Sponsored by the Sonaeko Club, this krewe was founded by business leaders who wanted to bring a parade to St. Claude Avenue. Today, they ride along the Uptown Route, beginning at the intersection of Napoleon Avenue and Prytania Street and ending at Tchoupitoulas and Poydras streets.

11:45 AM - Krewe of Mid-City

With about 200 riders, this is a relatively small krewe, but it’s one of New Orleans’ oldest. This kid-friendly parade begins at the intersection of Napoleon Avenue and Prytania Street, rides around Lee Circle and ends at the corner of Canal and Camp streets.

12:00 PM - Krewe of Thoth

This krewe, named for the Egyptian god of wisdom, has a unique route that passes in front of Children’s Hospital and several extended healthcare facilities. The route begins at the intersection of Prytania Street and Napoleon Avenue and ends at Tchoupitoulas and Poydras streets.

5:15 PM - Krewe of Bacchus

One of the most spectacular and extravagant Super-Krewes, the Krewe of Bacchus’ 2022 parade theme is “From the Heart.” The parade begins at the intersection of Napoleon Avenue and Prytania Street and ends at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

5:30 PM - Krewe of Athena

This krewe is relatively new to the Mardi Gras scene. Formed in 2014, the Krewe of Athena’s nearly 500-female riders throw custom-made, festively-decorated hats. The parade follows the Metairie westbound route, beginning at the intersection of Bonnabel Boulevard and Nero Street and ending on Houma Boulevard near the Clearview Shopping Center.

Monday, Feb. 28 (Lundi Gras)

5:15 PM - Krewe of Proteus

The Krewe of Proteus was founded in 1882, making it the second-oldest Carnival organization in New Orleans. Male riders throw plastic tridents, medallions and necklaces. The parade begins at the intersection of Napoleon Avenue and Prytania Street and ends at the intersection of Canal and Chartres streets.

6:00 PM - Krewe of Orpheus

This crowd-favorite parade, named for one of the most famous tragic figures of Greek mythology, begins its route at the intersection of Napoleon Avenue and Prytania Street and ends at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

Tuesday, March 1 (Fat Tuesday)

8:00 AM - Krewe of Zulu

The Krewe of Zulu has some of the most interesting history and throws of any Mardi Gras krewe. Formed by Black New Orleanians in 1909, the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club is one of the city’s oldest Carnival organizations. Their parade begins at the corner of South Claiborne and Jackson avenues, winds its way down Basin Street and ends at Orleans Avenue and Broad Street.

10:00 AM - Krewe of Rex

The Krewe of Rex is the oldest — and maybe the grandest — Mardi Gras krewe still parading in New Orleans. Founded in 1872, Rex has developed many traditions, including keeping secret the identity of its leader, Rex himself, until Mardi Gras day. The parade begins at the intersection of Napoleon Avenue and Carondelet Street and ends at Poydras and South Peters streets.

Following Krewe of Rex - Krewe of Elks Orleans

This krewe originated the truck parade tradition in 1935, and with more than 4,000 members, it’s still the largest truck parade in New Orleans. The Krewe of Elks Orleans follows the Krewe of Rex from the starting point at Napoleon Avenue and South Claiborne Street and ends its route at the intersection of Elk Place and Tulane Avenue.

Following Krewe of Elks Orleans - Krewe of Crescent City

This krewe’s truck parade follows the same route as the Krewe of Elks Orleans. Its parade heralds the “beginning of the end” of Carnival season.

10:00 AM - Krewe of Argus

This family-friendly parade begins at the intersection of Veterans and Houma boulevards and ends at the intersection of Veterans Boulevard and Martin Behrman Avenue.

Following Krewe of Argus - Krewe of Elks-Jeffersonians

Jefferson Parish’s oldest and largest truck parade follows the same route as the Krewe of Argus.

Following Krewe of Elks-Jeffersonians - Krewe of Jefferson

The Krewe of Jefferson began as a partnership between two captains, one of the Krewe of Jason and one of the Krewe of Elks Orleanians. Today, this krewe’s parade signals the beginning of the end of Carnival in Jefferson Parish. They follow the same route as the Krewe of Elks-Jeffersonians.

Aubry is a reporter, producer and operations assistant in Baton Rouge.

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