NEW ORLEANS MARDI GRAS

Parade News, Party Pictures, Videos, Music, Schedules & More

Matthew Hinton / The Times-PicayuneRest up now because Mardi Gras 2009 is on its way. Pictured here, David Montana, second chief of the Yellow Pocahontas Mardi Gras Indians, dances and sings at the funeral of Barbara Sparks, the pre-eminent Mardi Gras Indian Big Queen. View 2009 Mardi Gras parade schedule »

When Arthur Hardy speaks to conventions about Mardi Gras, one of the most difficult concepts to get across to visitors is that in a world where stadiums, bowl games and golf tournaments bear the names of large well-known companies, there are no corporate sponsors of parades or balls.

"It's hard for them to get. I tell them to think about going to a Broadway play, and the producers coming out and saying, 'Put your money in your pocket -- the show is on us. And by the way, we're going to give you some free gifts,'" he said.

Courtesy of Louisiana State Museum
Zulu King Louis Armstrong meets the press on Mardi Gras day, 1949. Complete Mardi Gras coverage »

Did you know that in 1949 Louis Armstrong reigned as the first celebrity monarch over the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club parade? Or that the club, now widely popular and a favorite among most Mardi Gras parade-goers, at one time had only 15 members?

Thanks to a partnership between Zulu and the Louisiana State Museum that has produced a 3,000-square-foot exhibit, "From Tramps to Kings: 100 Years of Zulu, " Carnival enthusiasts can learn all they ever wanted to know about Zulu's origins and rich history.

Courtesy of Haydel's Bakery
Haydel's "Bead Dog," a fiberglass replica of the toys that children make out of broken Mardi Gras beads. It's big enough for kids to sit upon and pose for photos, and sits outside the retail store during Carnival season.

Fifty years ago, Lloyd Haydel started a 24-hour doughnut stand with a walk-up window in an old fruit stand. In 1965, Hurricane Betsy blew down the former fruit stand, and a new building opened on Jefferson Highway. The family business evolved into a full-service bakery at that time.

On Three Kings Day, 2009, the Haydel family and their customers celebrated their anniversary a little early -- the doughnut shop actually opened in mid-July. But because Haydel's is known for its king cakes and collectibles, they chose the first day of the carnival season to celebrate, said David Haydel, Jr.

THE TIMES-PICAYUNEKern Studios employees move floats around their new warehouse on the eastbank of the Mississippi River in New Orleans.

Popular tours of float construction will come to an end next month at the Algiers' Mardi Gras World. The site isn't closing, but the tour portion will move to a riverfront location on the east bank of the river near the Crescent City Connection.

Even in a "quiet" year, Christmas, New Year's and Sugar Bowl week blend into one long kickoff to Carnival, which officially begins on Twelfth Night, Jan. 6.

The perfect "appetizer" for Mardi Gras comes Tuesday night, as the Phunny Phorty Phellows gather for a costume-strutting, champagne-popping countdown to the start of Carnival at 7 p.m. (sharp). The satirical krewe, whose roots extend to 1878, will then follow its tradition of "hijacking" a streetcar for a tipsy ride downtown, uptown and back, serenaded by the Storyville Stompers. The group's "Boss" will be chosen en route via King Cake.

Keith I. Marszalek / NOLA.comNew Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin addresses an audience gathered at Gallier Hall, Tuesday, January 6, 2009. The Mayor, along with dignitaries from the Krewes of Rex and Zulu, ushered in Twelfth Night, the official start of the 2009 Carnival season, with a King Cake party.More photos from the event »Complete Mardi Gras coverage »

In a city that relishes pageantry and its unique cultural traditions, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin this morning officially launched the 2009 Carnival season in grand style, with the Treme brass band roaring through Gallier Hall as Mardi Gras Indians danced before a crammed room of city officials, business leaders and carnival organizers.

Continuing coverage »

Mayor Ray Nagin will kick off the Carnival season today with the city's annual King Cake Party at 10 a.m. at Gallier Hall, 545 St. Charles Ave.

Nagin will be joined by members of the New Orleans City Council, Carnival krewe captains and convention and tourism officials.

A new parade that honors the birthday of St. Joan of Arc, the 15th Century French warrior who some consider the Patron Saint of New Orleans, will share the stage tonight with the Phunny Phorty Phellows in ushering in this year's carnival season.

Basin Street recording artists Kermit Ruffins, Irvin Mayfield, Henry Butler and more kick off Carnival seasonTune in to Mardi Gras Radio now »

A half-century ago, when H. Alvin Sharpe told his family that he was going to design coins for riders to throw from Carnival floats, the reaction was hardly supportive.

"We thought he was nuts," said John E. Celestin Jr., Sharpe's son-in-law.

But Sharpe persevered. He made aluminum models that he took to the office of Darwin Fenner, the captain of the Rex organization who also was a partner in the august investment firm of Merrill Lynch, Pierce Fenner & Smith.

Jon C. Donley / NOLA.comPhunny Phorty Phellows celebrants ring in the new Carnival season on Twelfth Night.

With Christmas and New Year celebrations safely behind us, it's time to focus our sights on Carnival season. This week we usher in all things purple, green and gold with a celebration of 100 years of Zulu, King Cakes, the Phunny Phorty Phellows, Benny Grunch and the Bunch and Bo Dollis and the Wild Magnolias.

Also, the Mahalia Jackson Theater reopens this week with an all-star lineup up of local musicians, renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman and performances from the San Fransisco and New York Ballets.

Both Celine Dion and Lil Wayne headline shows at the Arena and in the clubs, Tipitina's salutes Southern troubadours and d.b.a. spotlights Glen David Andrews.

NOLA.com file photo

Even though most markets around town jump the gun each year, King Cakes officially hit grocery and bakery shelves January 6.

And, as is the case with most foods in New Orleans, the debate as to which variety is best will never end.

Are you a Randazzo's fan? Or maybe it's Gambino's? Let us know by posting your favorites in our public dining blog.

Ever dream of being up high in a grandstand so that you can get the really good throws and not have to deal with the crowds?

Rusty Costanza / The Times-PicayuneAmy Kirk makes like Joan of Arc in front of the saint's statue on Decatur Street, where a new parade on Tuesday honoring the Maid of Orleans will end. Complete Mardi Gras coverage »

Since Hurricane Katrina, many New Orleanians have sought inspiration.

For Amy Kirk, a local playwright and event planner, inspiration comes from the idea of the protection and strength of a mystical guardian -- one closer to home than many realize.

Kirk's heroine is Joan of Arc, the sainted martyr who was burned at the stake as a witch in 1431 having been led, as legend has it, into battle alongside the French army by what she claimed were voices from God.