As Mardi Gras festivities kicked off in the lead up to Fat Tuesday, revelers braved rainy conditions to enjoy the day’s first parade.
The Krewe of Iris, the oldest and one of the largest female Carnival organization for women, went off without a hitch despite participants being cold and wet for most of the attraction.
It also celebrated its 100 year anniversary, as paraders at the Krewe threw out beads, cups, doubloons, and host of Iris-themed items.
Mardi Gras refers to events of the Carnival celebrations, beginning on or after the Christian feasts of the (Three Kings Day) and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday
Mardi Gras, French for ‘Fat Tuesday,’ is scheduled to arrive in ‘The Big Easy’ on February 13, 2018
The biggest parade celebrations, however, like Endymion, Bacchus, Zulu, and Rex occur in the days prior to the grand event on Tuesday
Conditions will most likely ‘turn out to be mild as temperatures peak in the 70s, above normal for this time of the year
‘[The] Krewe of Iris includes 1500 members participating in the Carnival celebration featuring bands and entertainment from across the United States,’ which includes ’12-tandem floats, and 37 floats,’ organizers state on their website at mardigrasneworleans.com .
Meteorologists predict that weather conditions for the festival will remain steady, keeping the Bacchus, Zulu, and Rex parades damp in the days prior to the grand event on Tuesday.
Rainy weather is not usually cause for a halt in the festivities, but city officials warn that thunder and lightning storms are a different matter
During this time, experts like AccuWeather meteorologist Jordan Root say party-goers should bring rain jackets and water-friendly shoes to the celebration, but says winter jackets, hats and gloves can be ledt behind.
‘A sweatshirt or light jacket will be needed for those heading out [at night] as temperatures will fall to near 60 late,’ Root said.
Mardi Gras fans were also treated to four other notable processions on Saturday, including the Krewe of NOMTOC (New Orleans Most Talked Of Club), Tucks, Endymion and the unfortunately named Isis parade.
‘Founded in 1973, the all-female Krewe of Isis first started parading in Kenner before taking the standard Veterans Memorial Boulevard route in Jefferson Parish,’ the organizers state.
‘Comprised of 250 riders and 21 floats, this Egyptian-themed krewe features an assortment of marching bands, dance teams and specatularly attired maids.’
A man leads a marching band ahead of The Krewe of Tucks Parade during Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans, Louisiana February 10, 2018
The Krewe of Iris Parade rolls down the street as a part of Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans, Louisiana
‘Isis is an Ancient Egyptian goddess who was worshipped as the ideal mother and wife, as well as the patroness of nature and magic. She is known as a protector of the dead and goddess of children,’ it adds.
The AccuWeather specialist also said that downpours and thunderstorms may crash the party, possibly interrupting and potentially postponing parades throughout the city.
Rainy weather is not usually cause for a halt in the festivities, but city officials warn that thunder and lightning storms are a different matter.
The showers are expected to stick around through Monday, but the threat for severe weather will decrease significantly by then, according to Accuweather.com.
‘Weather conditions should turn out to be okay for Mardi Gras on Tuesday in New Orleans, though a front nearby will help keep clouds around and could produce stray showers during the afternoon,’ Root said.
‘Clouds on Tuesday night will prevent temperatures from falling too much so folks can expect a mild night as well.’
Mardi Gras refers to events of the Carnival celebrations, beginning on or after the Christian feasts of the (Three Kings Day) and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday.
Carnival is a Western Christian and Greek Orthodox festive season that occurs before the liturgical season of Lent, the solemn six week period before Easter Sunday.
The purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer through prayer and self-denial in the run up to the holy holiday.
Parade participants make their way down the street ahead of the The Krewe of Iris Parade in Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans, Louisiana
The showers are expected to stick around through Monday, but the threat for severe weather will decrease significantly by then, according to Accuweather