Local News

Photos: The return of Mardi Gras and all its pageantry and parades

WWNO - New Orleans Public Radio | By WWNO Staff

Published March 1, 2022 at 2:44 PM CST

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A Krewe of Zulu member takes a sip while walking down Orleans Avenue on Mardi Gras.

It was Feb. 25, 2020, when New Orleans last celebrated Mardi Gras day as residents and tourists normally would: with Zulu, Rex, a St. Ann’s costume contest and so much more throughout the day.

But it was that same normal Carnival season that caused COVID-19 to spread, put New Orleans on the map for being a virus hotspot and would eventually lead to the cancellation of parades the following year.

This year, Fat Tuesday is back, albeit with mask and vaccine mandates. To mark this historic return of Carnival season, the New Orleans Public Radio team put together a gallery of Fat Tuesday festivities and beyond.

A float rolls down St. Charles Avenue during the Zulu parade on Fat Tuesday, March 1, 2022.

Revelers dressed in wigs and beads stand on St. Charles Avenue waiting for the next float in the Zulu parade on Fat Tuesday, March 1, 2022.

The Maids of Zulu toss "throws" or items to spectators waiting along Orleans Avenue during the Krewe of Zulu parade.

Revelers try to catch beads, coconuts and other throws at the Zulu parade down St. Charles on Fat Tuesday.

Gabe Dardar and Breelyn Portier are the king and queen of this year's Montegut Children's Parade. Revelers shoot fake bills at the royalty on Sunday, February 28.

Revelers catch throws at the Montegut Children's Parade on Sunday, February 28.

Terrebonne parish president Gordy Dove and councilman Steve Trosclair shake Krewe de Bonne Terre's King and Queen Forrest and Christina Travirca hands while presenting them with keys to the city.

Montegut's Krewe de Bonne Terre rolls through about 100 members under the theme of "Bayou Resilience."

Endymion krewe royalty rides through Mid-City Saturday, Feb. 26, waving at onlookers. This year’s theme for Endymion was “Legends of Fire & Ice.”

Parade attendees rush to catch Endymion throws in Mid-City. This year’s items include cups, bags, stuffed plushies to light up necklaces.