An Out of This World NOLA Party
Anyone who thinks it's impossible for geeks to be cool
has never seen a legion of Wookies marching in 35° weather.
Braving colder-than-average temperatures, the 13th annual Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus parade nevertheless proved itself as one of the newest mainstays of the Mardi Gras season. Between its low-cost, participation-friendly membership structure, its placement as the only parade of its respective weekend of Carnival, as well as its wide-reaching celebration of sci-fi and pop culture, the Wookie-Wine-God boasts some of the highest numbers of any New Orleans Mardi Gras krewe. And for such a large and energized group, they have an afterparty to match.
The walking sci-fi convention found itself at the foot
of Poydras, as so many major events in this city always seem to. Although
renovations at Harrah's Casino separated the casino and the event space,
Chewbacchus's nods to Pokémon, Nintendo, and more heralded a very
different type of "gaming" than is typically seen on the casino floor. The
venue, which has grown in prominence among the Mardi Gras scene for hosting
events with the 610 Stompers and others, was out in full force to offer water
and libations for those returning from trip that might feel as long as a galaxy
far, far away (or as icy as the wind chills on Hoth). The night featured full-volume
music, open dancefloors, no less than five full-service bars, and ample stadium
seating just to take it all in.
And there's more than enough to take in when looking
at the various subkrewes of Chewbacchus. All managed by organized troupes of
red-shirted escorts modeled after the Enterprise uniforms from Star Trek,
the krewes include everything from specific fan-based niches and elaborate
sci-fi costuming to an anything-goes take on fandom and pop-culture. The
various "contraptions"—plaster and prosthetic costume enhancements—are all
homemade and take everywhere from a few hours to weeks-worth of planning.
Several of the larger walking krewes, like the disco-white Space Vikings and
the red-outfitted Krewe of Solo Cups, are now bigger than the entire
Chewbacchus parade was in its early years.
The music proved just as much of a highlight of the
party as the costuming. Electronic DJ mixes filled the Fillmore as the galaxy's
finest streamed in, followed by three separate acts: Topaz, electro punk band
Urban Heat, and EDM artist Wuki. These artists were able to keep the energy in
the room high, to say the least. With its massive numbers, indie spirit, and a reveler
enthusiasm that makes it one of Mardi Gras's biggest events, the Intergalactic
Krewe of Chewbacchus lights up the Crescent City once again.
The krewe isn't just active during Mardi Gras, though. Hosting several events around the year, not least of which is an elaborate party celebrating Star Wars Day on May 4th, Chewbacchus is always welcoming to the curious friends of science (or science-fiction). For more information, visit the Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus' website. Be sure to check out Where Y'at Magazine's on the ground coverage of the various costumes and festivities from the parade route.
