New Orleans officials say shortened parade routes will be used again for Mardi Gras 2023. The Mayor’ Mardi Gras Advisory Panel made the announcement Thursday night. The City sites the shortage of police manpower to properly patrol and protect the traditionally longer routes. Mardi Gras historian and publisher of the annual Mardi Gras Guide Arthur Hardy says at least the decision came well in advance this year…
“Knowing that in October, rather than in December or January or Februaryn is a Godsend. We now can all move on with our lives and make our plans,” says Hardy.
After the COVID pandemic cancelled Mardi Gras in 2020 and ’21, parade routes were shortened for 2022. However many complained there was too little notice of that change. Hardy says some businesses says they lost money, because they were no longer on or near the parade route…
“The announcement came so late in the game, so no one was happy about it. But having advance notice makes all the difference in the world.”
Hardy says many are obviously disappointed at the news, but New Orleans will survive this…
“We did it last year, and if we have to do it one more year that’s fine. The hope though is that by 2024 full routes will be restored, and I think there is a good chance that’ll happen.”
Mardi Gras 2023 is February 21st. Krewe parades will crank up about 4 weeks beforehand. Carnival Season officially begins January 6th, also called “Twelfth Night”, “the Feast of the Epiphany” and “King Day.”
Comments