How to Do Krewe du Vieux
January 9, 2024
Krewe du Vieux
Founded in 1987 within the historic Faubourg Marigny area, their parade creatively mocks the extravagance of float parades and uptown krewes by opting for dark, eccentric humor and handmade touches instead of mass-produced throws and effects. Both the parade sub-krewes' themes and satirical floats highlight sociopolitical issues, celebrities, and anything else within their crosshairs for that year. Krewe du Vieux has historically been the first big parade of Mardi Gras season. While there are now a few parades that roll in the weeks before, to many locals, Krewe du Vieux signals the start of Mardi Gras and is followed by Krewedelusion’s surrealist floats!
When is it?
Krewe du Vieux will take place at 6:30pm on Saturday, February 15, 2025.
For information on the parade, check out: www.mardigrasneworleans.com/parades/krewe-du-vieux
Where to Watch?
Anywhere along the route is great but we recommend watching in the first half of the route - either in the Marigny (it’s less crowded and mainly locals ...you might even see Sam out there!) or the French Quarter. While you should be able to get a good spot without showing up early, we recommend coming a little early (30 min+ before the parade starts) to get a spot and hang out. We recommend bringing a cooler and your own drinks (you’re allowed to drink outside in New Orleans!). Afterwards, grab dinner or hit up the local bars in the Marigny and then head to Frenchman and the FQ.
Should we eat Dinner Before or After Krewe Du Vieux?
Most locals will eat dinner before the parade so they can head to the bars afterwards. But scheduling an 8:30pm or 9pm dinner reservation would be a lot of fun: parade → dinner → bars sound like a great night to us!
Stay with Us!
Krewe du Vieux is a great weekend to come to New Orleans and experience Mardi Gras. While it’s not Mardi Gras day, Krewe du Vieux is a great, less-touristy Mardi Gras experience. It’s a favorite among locals and it’s always a lot of fun.
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