How to See the Krewe Du Vieux Parade at Mardi Gras

The Krewe Du Vieux started in 1987 as a sub-section of the defunct Krewe of Clones. Each year since its beginning, more people have shown up to see the parade by the Krewe Du Vieux, and more people have participated in the parade. The parade leads to the famous Krewe Du Vieux Doo, or the ball following the parade. Prepare to see all kinds of colorful costumes, listen to great brass bands and watch horse-drawn floats during the Krewe Du Vieux parade at Mardi Gras.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Colorful and comfortable clothes
• Camera
• Your favorite drink
• Comfortable shoes

See The Krewe Du Vieux Parade at Mardi Gras

1. Plan ahead to see the Krewe Du Vieux parade during Mardi Gras, which takes place around the first Saturday of February.

2. Think up a colorful costume--or at least a colorful hat--for the parade. Remember that the Mardi Gras colors are purple, gold and green.

3. Know the parade route. The parade starts at the corner of Port Street and Decatur. It goes west on Decatur, turns north on Marigny, east on Chartres, north on Franklin, west on Royal, southwest on Frenchmen, west on Decatur, north on St. Louis, west on Royal, north on Bienville and west on Rampart to end at the State Place Asylum.

4. Choose a spot to see the parade and arrive at least an hour before the 7pm start time to get to your preferred spot. The Krewe Du Vieux parade gets wilder as it progresses along. Try to get a corner spot near the end of the route for the craziest time possible.

5. Bring out the camera to record all of the fun, colors and people surrounding the Krewe Du Vieux parade at Mardi Gras.

Tips & Warnings

• You will stand for hours waiting for and enjoying the Krewe Du Vieux parade, so comfortable shoes are a must.
• Highlight the parade route on a map to help you know where you are and where you want to watch the parade from.
• Find out how much cab fare is from the parade and local clubs to your hotel so you can plan ahead to get a ride to your room in case you drink too much.
• The Krewe Du Vieux parade is not suitable for children.
• Keep as little cash on you as possible and lock the credit cards away at your hotel. You don't want to fall victim to a pickpocket while you are busy watching the parade.