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Will Mardi Gras Be Back In 2022? A Decision Might Come In Mid-October

Derek Bridges

Whether or not Mardi Gras will make a highly anticipated return to New Orleans in 2022 will be discussed over the next handful of weeks. Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s administration continues to monitor the spread of COVID-19, city officials said during a Tuesday press conference.

Beau Tidwell, Cantrell’s director of communications, said at the press conference that they are meeting with krewe leaders likely through mid-October to see if the logistics of having a Carnival season during an ongoing pandemic is feasible.

“We remain optimistic, and certainly Mardi Gras is something that we very much want to come back just like everybody in the city,” Tidwell said.

The city has seen a decline in positive COVID cases and an increase in vaccinations, which Tidwell credits to the proof-of-vaccine mandate the administration implemented mid-August. The city's average number of daily cases is now 58, with a positivity rate of 4%.

The administration also urged citizens to tailgate appropriately for the first regular-season New Orleans Saints game inside the Caesars Superdome this Sunday. The Saints were originally slated to open the NFL season at home on Sept. 12 against Green Bay, but the game was moved to Jacksonville in the wake of Hurricane Ida.

The Superdome will only allow spectators to enter with proof of vaccine or a negative COVID test from the past 72 hours.

“Private tailgating events are excluded from having to show proof of vaccination or negative PCP test,” said Tidwell. “However, once you go into the dome or into Champions Square, you will need to present that information.”

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