Super colorful and classic floats with great throws! There are tons of parades during Mardi Gras…read moreand bigger name parades than Proteus, but this was actually my favorite out of the three that I attended during Mardi Gras. The floats are large, bright, and very classic. Neon colors with great costumes. This is perfect for kids and families but I enjoyed it too. The dance performances in between were fun and the music was nice. I came during Lundi Gras in the evening, so it was pretty packed. I actually arrived late so I didn't have the greatest spot for viewing, but it still worked out. What I really liked about Krewe of Proteus was that the parade crew seemed so excited. I know that sounds weird, but I saw so many bored people throwing beads at other parades. They had no expression on their faces. But Krewe of Proteus had so much energy. Plus the throws were awesome! I didn't catch anything because I didn't want to since I was tired and still had my suitcase with me. But, I definitely could have caught a few things if I wanted to. Some people may find this parade a bit boring since it's an older presentation compared to the others, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would definitely come back to see Krewe of Proteus again.

The Krewe of Proteus 2020 parade - "Feasts and Libations"…read more Throw me something, please! This parade preceded the Krewe of Orpheus. We watched at the corner of St Charles Ave and Canal Street. The parade began rolling out at 5:15p. They have about 20 floats. Background: Proteus, the prophetic old man of the sea in Greek mythology, he was a god who acted as herdsman of Poseidon's seals. A subject of Poseidon, Proteus could tell the future and change his shape. His float is a giant seashell. The floats were adorned with intricate LED lights and elaborate glitz. They had some pretty cool throws aside from the beads: cups, doubloons (these are most prized "throws"), LED toys, LED flaming torch... but since we watched near a balcony the crew members favored throwing them their way prompting chants from our section to "F@#! the balcony!" LoL! Oh well, it got a little rough and rowdy after the parade and we didn't end up staying to watch the most extravagant floats of the Krewe of Orpheus. Another year perhaps... and not by a balcony. The Krewe of Proteus parades every Lundi Gras-- the night before Mardi Gras Day. Laissez le bon temps rouler! Review #1736

So beautiful!! For me, this was definitely a must see. It's in lovely City Park, so there's that…read moregoing for it right off the bat. The lights themselves are creative and cool and just fascinatingly gorgeous. I agree that the dragon, fish and pagoda are the big highlights here. Experiencing those alone are worth the admission price, in my opinion. We didn't partake in the food here-so I can't comment on that and for some reason Storyland was closed on a Saturday night unlike Celebration in the Oaks...so that was strange, but all in all I really enjoyed this and definitely recommend it.

I am so excited! I enjoyed China Lights so much I went twice in a week!…read more First off, yes it's $18 but it's worth it- there is a lot going on, it's really enjoyable and you can make an evening out of it. There are a few different layers to China Lights, so let me hit them one by one. The lantern lights: This is the main attraction. Gorgeous lit up lanterns of all types that illuminate the Botanical Gardens. It's really hard to pick a favorite, but I loved the panda bears and the penguins. Some of y'all know that penguins have a special place in my heart since I got to cuddle some once at the aquarium. I also loved the big light up ducks that were in a reflecting pool and moving around on a little track. I'm doing a terrible job at describing it, but trust me it's beautiful. It's really hard to describe how amazing the lights are in person and I can only imagine how much work this whole exhibit took to put together from the planning to the execution. It was definitely worth the work! The performances: In the tent where they serve the food they have nightly performances at 6:30 and 8:00. We caught the 8:00 show and the performers are straight from China. This is what they do for a living and it shows. First there were three young ladies who did acrobatics while spinning plates, the next man was a juggler who was only 18 but is an expert at juggling rings, there were contortionists who could do crazy bendy things and there was even a clown. The show lasts about 20 minutes or so and it was fantastic! These people are amazingly talented and I am so glad I got to see something like this in person. The food: I got a burger. It was a burger. Who cares? The star of the food show is the muffaletta egg rolls. Oh yeah, we are talking muffaletta goodies wrapped in a wonton and fried- totally healthy, right? OH MY GAAAAAH. So, I am going to have to go back just to get this egg roll again. It was incredible and I really should have just eaten this and called it a day. Seriously though, is there anywhere in NOLA that makes this so I can like have it on a regular basis? Please advise. All in all, I loved China Lights. It was a lot of fun and the weather is perfect for it right now. I went on both a weeknight and a weekend. I would suggest going on a weeknight because there are way fewer people and the lines to get tickets, food, bathroom, etc. are a lot shorter/non-existent. I will be back before May 1st and I hope that City Park makes this an annual thing.

Let me preface this by firstly apologizing for writing the review for such an awesome event so…read morelate! I had some technical difficulties getting my pictures together but enough whinin about nothing..keep reading! Oh my gosh yalllllll!!! I can't believe I won the tickets--yay for random generators picking my name! This event was straight up the bee's knees! I seriously had no idea what to expect in terms of who all was gonna be there, the ambiance, the decor but two seconds into the main hall, all of my expectations were surpassed! I was immediately handled a humongous bread bowl of gumbo (courtesy of 5Fifty5 Marriot) that was oh so delicious! A few steps later, and I was being offered shrimp and crab gumbo from my beloved alma mater's food vendor, Tulane Sodexo. Steamboat Natchez gave me their take on ''exotic gumbo'' with yellow rice as the base. I casted my vote for Desire Oyster Bar who served their gumbo with fried balls of unknown, yet so yum, ingredients! I went a little easy on the dessert since my palate favors savory over sweet. I did try Royal Sonesta's creative take on creme brule along with the push pop dessert by another vendor. Congratulations to all the vendors and winners! It was such a great night and the only regret I have not having a larger appetite for this awesome feast disguised as a "tasting" event. Seriously, I should have passed on breakfast and lunch in preparation for this! Can't wait to go next year and bring along my gumbo lovin friends!

Somebody fan me, it's hotter than hell in Nola right now, but I Love this fest!…read more Music line-up kept the crowd dancing, clapping and singing along. There were violins, accordians and washboards! The food is fabulous!! If you haven't tried it yet, get the Yakiniku Poboy. Seriously. It's that good. Remember Ajun Cajun! (Shrimp plate is good too). Tips: Get there early, bring blanket, plop in the shade and visit misting stations often.

Loved: * Indoor restrooms available for use at the Mint…read morebldg. * The wonderful zydeco music * Free fest Enjoyed: * Food/drink vendors (While limited options they were good. They had about 10 food vendors). * Lots of shade along Esplanade Ave stage I like this little zydeco fest but I thought the fest could have had more food and drink options. The daquiris were $9 each and only offered Strawberry or Margarita flavors. They also had mixed drinks and beer. I will come back next year because of the great zydeco music and friendly atmosphere!

I love the old school floats & themes. The royalty was actually pulled by 6 mules last night and…read moreall of them seemed pretty happy, except for one of the lead ones. But his handler calmed him down with some pets. The wagon wheels definitely change the way the floats sway over the streets. While the theme was a bit obscure (it paid tribute to a long time member...well member's wife who was active in their design process for over 50 years), the floats were beautiful as always. The parade does zoom by superfast; these old guys don't play. They want to parade and get home, I guess. Not a ton of throws but enough to placate the crowds...more like the volume that I grew up with rather than the showers of stuff that come from some parades. We felt like there were fewer brass bands this year which is usually their staple so minus 1 star.

On the Thursday night leading up to the great weekend of Mardi Gras, and right before the famed…read moreMuses parade, this is a great parade. Babylon was a major city of ancient Mesopotamia in the fertile plain between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The city was built upon the Euphrates and divided in equal parts along its left and right banks, with steep embankments to contain the river's seasonal floods. A bit of history about the crew, from their website is as follows: The Knights of Babylon was founded in 1939 by a group of professional men who wanted to stage a first class parade for the public and a first class tableau ball for their ladies. Widely respected as one of the iconic New Orleans Carnival organizations, Babylon annually presents the first evening parade on the Thursday before Fat Tuesday. This is a colorful, bright and interactive parade, and one of my favorites. They were generous with their throws. It was a great time had by all. A new question is being asked of gender neutral restrooms. The only gender neutral restrooms are the port-a-potties provided by the city. I know of no other gender neutral restrooms in the area.

What can one say about a great parade and happy onlookers. Last night was amazing…read more They throw gifts from the floats. Helicopters, Police procession, 1st Responders, people everywhere as they pass on St Charles St. in the garden district. Excitement level high. Children getting goodies. So much fun, lights, food, and music. Bourbon St is for the loud drinkers, this is family safe. And just as good.

Le parade for the skull and bones set. Lots of satire, lots of skeleton jesters and slightly…read morehorror-inspired (but more on the humorous side) imagery. Theme had to do with local and national political and celebrity "scandals." Lots of great plays on words and the art on the floats was hilarious. I don't know much about Kim Kardashian, but that float with her and the NBA Players was a riot. Favorite walkers: The Skeleton Crew! Genius!!! It's a loooong parade with a fair amount of stopping. I think it lasted roughly a little over 2 hours. Yes, they are generous with their throws, but holy hell is the Friday night crowd brutal (and I hear the beginning of the route is nothing compared to the St. Charles crowd). Lots of killer stuff for kids (blinky neon gel gargoyles and skeleton jesters, plush toys). I just got a couple cups and later found a gel necklace that I'll be sending off to a kid who will appreciate it. Friday night parades are fun and the best thing to do is just sit back and enjoy it. My porch!! It's a bead explosion!!

Canal street has changed over the years. It used to be a mix of department stores and tourist…read moretraps. Department stores have changed into hotel now, so mostly only tourist traps remain. Especially since Adlers Jewelry Store closed after so many years. The first time I went to NOLA, the riverfront was mostly vacant and run down. There was a dead rat we named and spoke to every day..."Norman - your looking a little flatter today" Now there's malls, casino, restaurants, fountains, and a park running along the river. Streetcars will get you up and down the street for a nominal fare (get the 24 hour pass) And enjoy one of America's top streets!

First visit to New Orleans. I have to say I had a great time on my 3 day trip. Hotel I stayed in…read morewas about half mile from Canal Street/French Quarter. Tried my first Beignet at Cafe Beignet on Canal Street. Lots of food options!

It sucks that I didn't get a decorated plunger for my office but I still enjoyed the parade…read more If you know me and are asking yourself what in the hell is John doing writing parade reviews, go read my review of Iris. Anyway, I ended up here with my oldest kid and we had fun. The floats were very enjoyable with each having a unique theme and costume. I particularly appreciated the CHIPs float and their cop costumes. I also appreciated the sign that said Vappie Mardi Gras but I don't think the mayor did. Tucks is a parade you should go see. Forget going to that night parade the same day and focus on enjoying yourself in family-friendly uptown. PS One of my life goals is for the mayor to flip me off. Maybe I should ride in Tucks next year.

The Krewe of Tuck's 2020 parade - "Tucks Hits The Sweet Spot"…read more Watched our first parade on the streets of Poydras and Tchoupitoulas -- The Krewe of Tucks. I was, of course, beyond excited to be in New Orleans for my first Mardi Gras experience. As we watched each float pass us by I started to collect beads as they were throwing them to us generously! wow! so much fun trying to catch them as they were only not throwing beads but also lollipops... toilet brushes and plungers... colored toilet paper? I didn't get any of the latter ones. LoL! The floats were satirical and, um, like one of them was a giant toilet that is supposed to be one of their signature floats? Too funny. Some of the floats had fun titles like "Bit-O-Honey Boo Boo," "Blow Pop Suckers," "Gushers," and "Friar's Original Hard Candy." Family-friendly carnival. Do not expose your boobs in this parade, please. There were plenty of children around. Also, Bead Rule No. 1. Do not pick up beads that have fallen on the street or ground for reasons of safety and sanitary reasons. One of my favorite parades... glad we were able to catch this. Review #1735