Though Mardi Gras will look quite different
this year, krewes are finding ways to honor social-distancing guidelines while
continuing New Orleans's long and beloved Mardi Gras traditions. The Intergalactic Krewe
of Chewbacchus worked very hard to find a way to safely parade on,
during a global pandemic, for their 11th year. On January 23, 2021, the Sacred
Drunken Wookie will rise out of his slumber to present this year's theme: "Don't Panic! The Hitchhiker's Guide to the
New Reality, Volume One."
A week before Volume One, the krewe will
release an online PDF brochure entitled "The Guide," which will include a map
to locations across the city where subkrewes of Chewbacchus will be stationed,
prepared to socially distance and throw their special items. Attendees of this Chewbacchus
parade replacement will be able to visit these stations—each one representing a
different "chapter" of the guide—admire from afar the intricate costumes, and
catch the unique throws.
All Chewbacchus members will be wearing masks
appropriately and will be strictly following the social-distancing guidelines;
the krewe asks that fans and followers show that same respect. The Overlords of
Chewbacchus, in order to prioritize the safety and health of their members and
attendees, issue a decree that no visitor who goes to a station will be thrown
a gift if they are not masked correctly and if they are not following social-distancing
protocols.
"Don't Panic! The Hitchhiker's Guide to the
New Reality, Volume One" will also include a multimedia aspect, where
participants will be sent on a quest for rare and unique artifacts of the
Sacred Drunken Wookie. The artifacts will be planted at selected "chapter"
stations and will each reveal clues about the whereabouts of the prized
collection of special gifts, including Chewbacchus merchandise prize packages,
a lifetime membership to the Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus, and the royal
title of "Ultimate Survivor of the New Reality."
Subscribe to this krewe's mailing list at Chewbacchus.org
to receive updates about the event, and join the Intergalactic Krewe of
Chewbacchus as they redefine what it means to parade.
