Art Chowder January | February, Issue 19 | Page 70

· Parades: The parades actual-
ly start at the beginning of the
season and are run by “Krewes,” a
group of people or social organi-
zations often named after mythi-
cal creatures. Dating back to the
mid-nineteenth century, Krewes
plan out the balls and parades.
There are hundreds of parades
during Carnival in New Orleans.
Among the most famous are the
Krewe of Rex and the Krewe of
Zulu.
· Beads: Coveted among Mar-
di Gras revelers, beads are the
customary throw that people love
to collect and adorn themselves
with. But coconuts, shoes, purses,
doubloons, and other “throws” are
also among the treasures distribut-
ed at the parades.
T
he Mardi Gras Krewe d’Alene pares down all these traditions and celebrations into one evening, bringing a lively glimpse
into the Mardi Gras season. In addition to the featured restaurants, you can enjoy stilt walkers, jugglers, fortunetellers, henna
tattooists, body painters, artists in action, and live musicians. Enjoy a drink in Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, a re-creation of
the oldest bar in the country. Sip on a café au lait and savor delightful beignets in the re-creation of the historic Café Du Monde.
And new this year is a performance by the drag queens Nova Kaine and Les Gurlz.
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ART CHOWDER MAGAZINE