Spooky season has officially arrived in New Orleans after the streets of the French Quarter were lined with parade-goers last Saturday for the annual Krewe of Boo parade.
The Halloween themed parade featured 450 riders, 15 floats, and a variety of incredible costumes and marching bands. Krewe of Boo attracts thousands of locals and visitors to celebrate traditional New Orleans music, dancing, and of course…beads, with a spooky twist!
Parade riders throw objects that are collectable or consumable, which helps cut back on waste, including items such as candy, chee wees, pralinettes, light-up beads, voodoo doll pins and magnets, and toys, which the children and adults both love.
Some of the krewes presented at this year’s parade included the Streetcar Strutters, the Disco Amigos, members of Tap Dat, and the rolling Elvi.
Extravagant floats lit up the parade route with giant papier mâché Halloween characters made by artists from Kern Studios. Kern Studios is one of the best known float-building organizations in America and has been in charge of creating the Krewe du Boo floats since 2007, when the parade was created as a fundraiser for hurricane Katrina.
Every year this parade brings creativity and innovation to New Orleans, and this year was no exception. Two of this year’s most loved floats included a giant disco ball that moved with the Disco Amigos and Michael Weber’s Peace Mech robot, which honed over the crowd at over 15 feet tall. Krewe du Boo is a time for everyone to express themselves, not only are riders dressed up, but so are parade-goers.
Loyola students Ava Werner and Alyssa Hendren attended their first Krewe of Boo parade last Saturday and were not disappointed.
“This was my favorite parade that showcased some of the best costumes and Halloween spirit I’ve ever seen,” said Hendren.
The two took the streetcar to the parade and said they enjoyed seeing all the creative Halloween costumes both in the parade and among the crowd.
“I would definitely go back to Krewe of Boo next year. The music, dancing, and floats really put me in the Halloween spirit,” said Werner.
As Krewe of Boo has grown in popularity, other Halloween events now follow the parade, including: the zombie run, post-parade parties, and haunted history tours. Krewe du Boo is a unique New Orleans celebration that continues to impress crowds with its creativity and Halloween spirit. Don’t miss out and mark your calendars for next year’s Krewe of Boo parade!
