New Orleans Parades

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Dubbed the Greatest Free Show on Earth, Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) happens on the day before Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras started in New Orleans in 1827, when the Americans took power of New Orleans from the Spanish, who had banned street dancing and parties. The city's elite started having private balls and masques and the commoners joined in with wild parties on the streets. A group of men attempted to organize the festivities, forming the first "Krewe". Each Krewe stages parades with elaborate floats, costumes, "throws" and balls, where that years debutantes are introduced and everyone parties until Midnight on Fat Tuesday. Events begin on January sixth, with the week-long celebrations leading up to Mardi Gras day.

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The Italian American Marching Club is one of the largest ethnic organizations in the southeastern United States. It was founded in 1970 and has climbed to heights of 1500 members in recent years. Their objective is to keep their Italian heritage prevalent in New Orleans, the destination of so many of our forefathers in the 19th and 20th centuries.
The organization is unique in that they have incorporated the focal point of New Orleans' festive culture, the parade, into their love of their Italian heritage. They do this in celebration of St. Joseph's Day each year.

• Italian American Marching Club   Address: 1515 Poydras St., Suite 1400 New Orleans  LA  USA  70130

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This dazzlingly colorful parade, complete with floats, marching bands, and signature Easter trinkets is a New Orleans tradition. In addition, the event features a hat competition, judged by some of the city's more notable personalities. The parade meanders through the French Quarter, along Canal and Bourbon streets before winding down at the historic Astor Crowne Hotel.

• The French Quarter   Address: . New Orleans  LA

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Elegant attire, including tuxedos, evening gowns, and elaborately decorated bonnets are the stars of the Gay Easter Parade in New Orleans. Several prizes are offered for best costume and the parade is popular for visitors and residents alike.

• Bourbon Street   Address: Bourbon Street New Orleans  LA