Famous Mardi Gras Floats
There are Mardi Gras floats and then there are the Mardi Gras floats.
Everyone has their favorite, but some floats drift into the iconic category. They are the most spectacular floats that stand out as they roll down the parade route. Here are five of our favorites.
Krewe of Zulu: Zulu King
The Krewe of Zulu King's float, the Zulu Witch Doctor, is a Carnival staple for every Mardi Gras Day. According to Zulu's website, the Witch Doctor was one of the event's original characters. In Africa, the witch doctor is known as a sorcerer, prophet, or shaman healer, someone who uses supernatural abilities to treat patients. "The Witch Doctor of Zulu asks the gods to protect and bless our King and the people. He also asks for favorable weather for our outside activities."
Krewe of Muses: High Heel Shoe
Muses is an all-female Mardi Gras krewe that parades in New Orleans' Uptown neighborhood at night. The Muses are Zeus' nine daughters according to Greek mythology. The parade's Honorary Muse is carried by the High Heel Shoe. This year's Honorary Muse will be broadcast journalist Soledad O'Brien.
Krewe of Orpheus: Smokey Mary
A stunning, mystical train serves as one of the Krewe of Orpheus' longest and biggest floats. Originally a six-section float, it gradually added two additional sections to become, by 2013, an eight-unit float that resembled a steam locomotive. The krewe, which was founded in 1993, rolls every Lundi Gras. Be sure not to miss out on their Orpheuscapade in the Morial Convention Center.
Krewe of Bacchus: Bacchagator
The Bacchagator, a longtime Bacchus staple, made its debut in the krewe's 1986 procession. The three-piece, 105-foot float can hold 86 passengers. This float takes a long time to pass, making it prime time to scoop up on some swag. The brilliant green of the gator can be spotted from far away.
Krewe of Endymion: "Pontchartrain Beach, Then and Now"
Endymion is a parade that is always a crowd favorite, with themes that are revealed before the start of each Mardi Gras season. The longest float in Mardi Gras at over 300 feet long with over 250 riders and nine parts, "Pontchartrain Beach, Then and Now," is one among the parade's well-known floats. It extends nearly the full length of the krewe's Mid-City den, where it is being decorated to bring back memories of the long-gone amusement park Pontchartrain Beach, which closed in 1983.
