Big Easy parade not for the shy

Parade moves through New Orleans French Quarter

 

(Note: We have not included any blatantly sexual photos in this post)

It is not for the faint of heart. 

Or those who are easily embarrassed.

Don't go if you have little ones with you. (They may ask, 'What is that daddy?')

Or if your parents are with you. They too may also ask.

Some things you just don't want to have to explain.

About six or seven years ago while on a trip to New Orleans, we came across what is the Krewe du Vieux parade (Check out their homepage).

This year's parade will be held Saturday, Feb. 19 and starts somewhere around 7 p.m.

It is a Mardi Gras parade explained as being held in the tradition of a 'true' parade like those originally held.

There are only mule-drawn floats. There are brass bands, all kinds of put-together bands, and put-together people and themes.

The parade begins in the Marigny (on the east side of the French Quarter) and heads west through the quarter.

It was raining during the occasion of our first view of the parade in the Big Easy.

But we still got an eye-full. The parade floats have a satirical theme. 

The revelers in the parade (must be a thousand or so) throw caution to the wind. Actually, there is no caution. 

They are just blatantly sexual, whether gay or straight, and their costumes and accoutrements are unashamedly displayed.

It is a one-of-a-kind (we think) parade. And a one-time visit is probably the last for a lot of people.

We like going to New Orleans and visiting the French Quarter.

There are those who always feel that something has to be experienced as least one time, and that is enough.

A lot of people may feel that way about this parade. But there are those who go back for more.

This year's theme '25 Years Wasted.'

Some who observe the parade may come away thinking, 'One Hour Wasted' feeling they could have done better at something else.

But then they may come back for the next year's parade.

After all, it is the Big Easy!

Next post: February 15, 2011