Now that the 2023 carnival season is in the books, how did it compare to Mardi Gras last year and those before? Mardi Gras Guide publisher Arthur Hardy gives it two thumbs up and said Mardi Gras as we know it in New Orleans is back.
“I think it was wonderful. I believe we’ve returned to pre-pandemic Mardi Gras, it’s almost as if we never had COVID. Everything is back to normal and normal is good,” said Hardy.
Another bonus this year was the return to previous parade routes. Hardy said he was very pleased, as were others, to learn in late January that the city was able to secure enough law enforcement so parades could return to their previous routes.
“It invalidated a lot of what was in my annual Mardi Gras guide map-wise because when we went to press, we didn’t know. I’ve never been so glad to be wrong. To see the routes back, everybody can enjoy the parades to their full extent, and it was just wonderful,” said Hardy.
In 2021 when Mardi Gras was canceled several homeowners in New Orleans elaborately decorated their homes similar to parade floats. Hardy said that’s a new trend that might be here to stay.
“I think that’s a new tradition that will last, but not as big as it did when parades were off the streets,” said Hardy.
And because Mardi Gras will come early in 2024 on February 13th Hardy said he’s already working on next year’s guide.
Comments