Though ’tit Rex rolled Sunday afternoon as usual, it was no longer the last parade of the weekend since Krewedelusion was moved to Sunday night this Carnival season. ’tit Rex is one of my favorite parades of the year. A more adult version of the shoebox parades local children make in school, the floats are pulled down a long sidewalk staging area by cords or ropes before heading to the street route through the Marigny. This year’s theme was, “Hot Tip,” inspiring floats featuring everything from matchsticks to manicured nails.
Along the sidewalk staging area, kids and adults set up mini-spectator displays – some complete with Moon Pies, barbecues and portalets. The ‘tit Rex krewe dresses in sedate black suits/dresses with blue and purple sashes but many of the parade-goers costume up for the occasion. Picnics line the route with people sharing cocktails and King Cakes. And the weather was perfect – 68 and sunny.
My favorite float this year was the tribute to recently departed burlesque queen, Bourbon Street property owner, and generous (often anonymous) donor, Chris Owens. I also really enjoyed the Mardi Gras manicure float with nail tips creating Orpheus-like flowers on the sides of the float.
Parades are also a wonderful way to reunite with people and it was great seeing singer/songwriter Margie Perez along with several other friends.
Next weekend the big Uptown parades begin with their massive floats showering throws!
L.A. to N.O.LA 