Festigals Stiletto Stroll

The Festigals Stiletto Stroll was the first parade I ever did as a Pussyfooter. Our non-profit organization of 120 women over 30 was one of the many dance troupes and walking krewes that helped raise money for New Orleans Family Justice Center. Their mission is to “bring together community-based domestic violence and sexual assault providers as well as criminal justice and law enforcement professionals to provide wrap-around and comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and child abuse.”

This year’s parade began at Carl Mack’s  Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes & Culture.

Irish Channel Parade 2017

The Mardi Gras parades just ended and already St. Patrick’s festivities have begun. Time again for floats and throws, dance troupes and walking krewes. The major difference is the occasion. And the green. Green beers, green wigs, green beads and glittery green beards abounded. Throws included Irish Spring soap, anything shamrock-shaped and fresh cabbages for soup.

We go to the parade every year but this year attended some of our friend’s parties as well. The spreads included Irish dishes along with crawfish and other local favorites.

Mardi Gras 2017 Wrap-Up

We’ve heard it a lot in the last few days – this was the best Carnival (Mardi Gras season) in years. In fairness, a lot of it had to do with the extraordinarily wonderful weather. After the 50 degree rain-soaked Krewe of Cleopatra parade,  most days were 70-80 and sunny with breezes. This year, I danced in 3 parades with the Pussyfooters. We were excited to debut our super-hero-inspired capes and signature pink corsets at the Cleopatra parade but mostly ended up covered in dripping-wet plastic sacks. That said, the crowds kept us inspired. Carnival parades are like a perpetual motion machine. The paraders bring energy to the crowds and the crowds bring energy to the paraders.

Though routines are set, each year I get to do new things at Mardi Gras and have new experiences.

Mardi Gras Day 2017 – Photos!!!

As usual, we spent Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) in the French Quarter wandering in costumes. It was a gorgeous 80 and sunny so I pulled out a purple tank top and green pants I’d crocheted long ago. I was surprised to find they turned out to be a big hit with the crowds. Some of my favorites were the anti-pre-shredded-cheese “Make America Grate Again” couple,  a woman with “Alternate Facts” written on her hat holding a sign that said La La Land won the Oscar, the senior citizens as “50 Shades of Grey.”

Krewe of Thoth Parade with the Pussyfooters

Sunday was the Pussyfooters last parade of the season, Known as the “children’s parade,” the Krewe of Thoth parade has the longest route of Carnival in order to pass in front of Children’s Hospital. My phone counted 29,000 steps (14 miles). We lined up at 11am and spent our down time visiting with the 610 Stompers, the “Ordinary Men with Extraodinary Moves.” Roux La La rested nearby as the marching bands of De La Salle and John L. McClellan High Schools practiced.

This was my third time parading in 10 days. In between, I’ve been attending parades – and that does require an endurance of it’s own. But whether you’re dancing, twirling a baton, blowing on a giant tuba, walking on stilts or throwing beads from a float, parading is a labor of love that tests commitment and physical limits.

Krewe of Tucks Parade 2017

Krewe of Tucks has 1,300 riders, both male and female, and centers around toilets and bathroom humor. Prize throws are hand-decorated toilet scrub brushes and plungers. The weather was perfect and the throws were plenty. Though I enjoyed watching a woman hanging upside down and retrieving giant beads from the mouth of a shark coming out of a toilet (PHOTO below), my favorite float was easily Grand Marshal Frenchy’s. Not only had he hand-painted the float himself with the portraits of local icons, he was actually creating a painting while he rolled down the route. On a more misty note, – the Captain’s float was left empty for the recently departed Bobby Reichert.

Krewe of Iris – 100 Years

The oldest all-female krewe, Krewe of Iris was founded in 1917 and began parading in 1959. The bold and beautiful floats this year were inspired by the different parade themes across the krewes’ history. The court wore gorgeous sequined costumes with giant collars depicting cultural iconography. The queen was resplendent in a  traditional  beaded gown, jeweled crown and mask and regal lace collar. Sunglasses are a favorite throw with the hand-decoareted ones being the most coveted.