Already looking forward to Mardi Gras 2021? Us too, but it’s going to be pretty different… While the annual festival isn’t *cancelled*, officials announced this week that parades will not be permitted.
Mardi Gras, which will be on February 16th, 2021, is one of the biggest tourist draws for Louisiana. However, due to Covid restrictions and fears of a ‘super spreader’ event, the carnival’s famous parades won’t be part of the festival. So, what can you expect?
The 2021 New Orleans Mardi Gras Parades are Cancelled
“I want to be very clear. Mardi Gras 2021 is not canceled. It is going to look different. The mayor has been very consistent about saying that at every stage,” said Beau Tidwell, communications director for Mayor LaToya Cantrell, at a press conference.
“There’s no way that that’s responsible given what we know about the pandemic right now,” Tidwell added. “So while we certainly want to move forward and find ways that we can celebrate, and we can mark this occasion, we have to do it safely. We have … 10 more deaths in the last two weeks. The positivity rate doubled in the last week.”
The mayor’s statement comes after the Krewe du Vieux, one of the city’s most popular Carnival crews, announced last week that it would not parade in 2021.
There will still be options to celebrate, however. Bourbon Street and Frenchman Street entertainment Districts are open, but subject to Local and State COVID Guidelines at all times. Capacity and hours can be subject to change.