Catch the Canine Carnival Fever
Catch the Canine Carnival Fever
Catch the Canine Carnival Fever
Catch the Canine Carnival Fever
Catch the Canine Carnival Fever
Catch the Canine Carnival Fever
Catch the Canine Carnival Fever
For over one hundred years, New Orleanians have celebrated Mardi Gras with pomp and circumstance, but now our four-legged best friends can now get in on the action. From puppy parades to costume contests, there are many opportunities for your pets to enjoy themselves alongside their families. One of the most unique aspects of Carnival are the parades. The Mardi Gras season winds through the streets of our city, filled with costumed revelers tossing beads, doubloons and trinkets to the screaming throngs of participants.
Now your fur babies can join in on all the festivities by entering them into one of the many dog parades in the New Orleans Metropolitan area. Replacing the elaborately decorated floats pulled by tractors are Red Ryder wagons or shopping carts cleverly decorated in festive themes. The oldest and most well-known dog parade in the city is the Krewe of Barkus, an amazing parade of pets and their owners that make its way through the French Quarter. The event, founded in 1993, is a non-profit organization. The krewe was envisioned and created in 1992 at a meeting of the Margaret Orr (WDSU-TV Weather Anchor) Fan Club held at Good Friends Bar. Bar owner Tom Wood brought his dog Jo Jo McWood to the meeting, where people had opinions about her anxious behavior. In retaliation, Wood decided to make Jo Jo McWood queen of her own parade and captain-for-life. And that was the beginning a one of our most beloved Mardi Gras traditions.
Each year, the Mystic Krewe of Barkus picks a new theme, starting with “Welcome To The Flea Market” in 1993 to this year’s virtual parade “Bone Alone.” There is also a King and Queen, along with their royal court, and watching the all the members dress their pets is inspiring. This year’s parade is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022 at 2 p.m. Other parades in the metro area are Mardi Paws in Covington, and Krewe de Paws of Olde Town Slidell, tentatively scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022.
In our city costuming is not just for Halloween, so hosting a Mardi Gras costume pet party has become quite popular. Our city has so many great costume shops open year-round that getting an outfit for your pet is easy. Some of our dog bakeries have pet-friendly King Cake treats to really complete the atmosphere of your event. There are even Mardi Gras-themed chew toys to give as gifts to the guests. You may even name a king (or queen) of your party. Create a fun competition by parading your pups around in costume to the judges. To be more creative, matching costumes with your pet is always a big hit. If you do not feel like going to the trouble of having all this excitement (and other dogs) in your house, schedule a picnic at one of our numerous dog parks such as City Bark, Wisner Dog Run, Crescent Park Dog Run or the Dog Levee.
Our pets are also our babies. They are part of the family, so keeping them safe should be a top priority during this holiday. Here are some helpful tips for you to remember during the season. You should only bring your pets to pet-friendly parades. The larger human parades are loud and very crowded, all of which could cause your pets anxiety. King Cakes and other holiday goodies may be tasty and delicious to us, but are not so much for them; avoid upset stomachs or choking on those little King Cake babies by keeping the goodies for yourself. Another great way to spend quality time with you babies is to show them off in their costumes to their adoring public. Sashay them down the streets of the French Quarter, Magazine Street, or just around your neighborhood. Take them out with you for a meal or a cocktail (for you, not them) at one of our many pet-friendly restaurants and bars. They are your pride and joy, so show them off!
The house float tradition started in the city last year during the pandemic. People in every neighborhood of the city decorated their house for Mardi Gras, and from its popularity last year, it is definitely here to stay. If you pet loves car rides, take them around the city to look at the house floats. Choose a different neighborhood each day to add variety. For the athletic types, you can jog, walk, or even bike in these new neighborhoods with your pets to see the décor.
No matter what you do with your fur baby this Carnival season in this magical city, having that faithful companion by your side will enhance your experience.
Now your fur babies can join in on all the festivities by entering them into one of the many dog parades in the New Orleans Metropolitan area. Replacing the elaborately decorated floats pulled by tractors are Red Ryder wagons or shopping carts cleverly decorated in festive themes. The oldest and most well-known dog parade in the city is the Krewe of Barkus, an amazing parade of pets and their owners that make its way through the French Quarter. The event, founded in 1993, is a non-profit organization. The krewe was envisioned and created in 1992 at a meeting of the Margaret Orr (WDSU-TV Weather Anchor) Fan Club held at Good Friends Bar. Bar owner Tom Wood brought his dog Jo Jo McWood to the meeting, where people had opinions about her anxious behavior. In retaliation, Wood decided to make Jo Jo McWood queen of her own parade and captain-for-life. And that was the beginning a one of our most beloved Mardi Gras traditions.
Each year, the Mystic Krewe of Barkus picks a new theme, starting with “Welcome To The Flea Market” in 1993 to this year’s virtual parade “Bone Alone.” There is also a King and Queen, along with their royal court, and watching the all the members dress their pets is inspiring. This year’s parade is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022 at 2 p.m. Other parades in the metro area are Mardi Paws in Covington, and Krewe de Paws of Olde Town Slidell, tentatively scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022.
In our city costuming is not just for Halloween, so hosting a Mardi Gras costume pet party has become quite popular. Our city has so many great costume shops open year-round that getting an outfit for your pet is easy. Some of our dog bakeries have pet-friendly King Cake treats to really complete the atmosphere of your event. There are even Mardi Gras-themed chew toys to give as gifts to the guests. You may even name a king (or queen) of your party. Create a fun competition by parading your pups around in costume to the judges. To be more creative, matching costumes with your pet is always a big hit. If you do not feel like going to the trouble of having all this excitement (and other dogs) in your house, schedule a picnic at one of our numerous dog parks such as City Bark, Wisner Dog Run, Crescent Park Dog Run or the Dog Levee.
Our pets are also our babies. They are part of the family, so keeping them safe should be a top priority during this holiday. Here are some helpful tips for you to remember during the season. You should only bring your pets to pet-friendly parades. The larger human parades are loud and very crowded, all of which could cause your pets anxiety. King Cakes and other holiday goodies may be tasty and delicious to us, but are not so much for them; avoid upset stomachs or choking on those little King Cake babies by keeping the goodies for yourself. Another great way to spend quality time with you babies is to show them off in their costumes to their adoring public. Sashay them down the streets of the French Quarter, Magazine Street, or just around your neighborhood. Take them out with you for a meal or a cocktail (for you, not them) at one of our many pet-friendly restaurants and bars. They are your pride and joy, so show them off!
The house float tradition started in the city last year during the pandemic. People in every neighborhood of the city decorated their house for Mardi Gras, and from its popularity last year, it is definitely here to stay. If you pet loves car rides, take them around the city to look at the house floats. Choose a different neighborhood each day to add variety. For the athletic types, you can jog, walk, or even bike in these new neighborhoods with your pets to see the décor.
No matter what you do with your fur baby this Carnival season in this magical city, having that faithful companion by your side will enhance your experience.
Tagged in Places and Spaces in our Winter 2021 issue