How to See the Zulu Parade at Mardi Gras

The Zulu parade at Mardis Gras is one of the most well known and longest standing parades during the Mardis Gras celebration. The first official Zulu parade occurred in 1909. The name for the parade came from a skit, "There Never Was and Never Will Be a King Like Me," about the Zulu Tribe in Africa. In 1915, the Zulu Krewe introduced floats to the parade and have used floats ever since. The Zulu parade at Mardi Gras is so popular, it now has two separate routes it follows.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Camera with plenty of film or memory
• Jacket
• Sunglasses
• Folding chair

See the Zulu Parade at Mardi Gras

1. Plan to attend the Zulu parade on the Monday morning before Fat Tuesday.

2. Get up early to see the parade on the first parade route. The parade starts at 8 a.m. and you need to be in place at least 30 minutes before the parade begins. Go toward the end of the route if you are running late.

3. Know the primary parade route. The Zulu parade starts at the corner of Jackson and Claiborne and goes southwest to St. Charles, east on St. Charles, south on Canal and finally ends on Convention Center Blvd. near Poydras.

4. Keep the secondary line route in mind. It starts near the Superdome at Claiborne and Poydras, then it moves south on Poydras, east on Basin, north on Orleans and east on Broad, where it ends.

5. Look for a place to set up your chair near one of the corners of the parade route so you can see the people and floats longer.

6. Enjoy all of the colorful sights and brilliant sounds the Zulu parade is known for. Take lots of pictures as mementos.

7. Get out of your chair to catch beads and other items thrown from the floats.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to get the "Golden Nugget," or Zulu coconut, that is thrown out during the parade. This "throw" has become one of the most sought-after items during Mardi Gras.
• It will be cool in the morning, so remember to wear a jacket when you see the Zulu parade.
• Make sure the batteries in your camera are fully charged and ready to take pictures of everything you see.
• Keep your money safe during this parade (or any parade with large crowds) by carrying a wallet in your front pocket and purses at the front of your body. Hopefully, this will make potential pickpockets move on to easier targets.