New Orleans nixes plans for Mardi Gras parades in 2021. Here’s the reaction
The city of New Orleans has slashed hopes for Mardi Gras celebrations next year.
In a “Frequently Asked Questions” section on the city’s website, Mayor LaToya Cantrell makes clear there will be no Mardi Gras parades in 2021.
“Answer: Parades of any kind will not be permitted this year because large gatherings have proven to be super spreader events of the COVID-19 virus,” the website reads.
Cantrell insists Mardi Gras “is not canceled, just different,” and is encouraging the community to come up with ways to celebrate the holiday safely. In a message posted online, she pointed to health officials’ warnings of a “winter spike” in coronavirus cases in December and January, “right when our carnival calendars get rolling.”
“Mardi Gras is more than just king cakes and beads,” Cantrell wrote. “It is a religious holiday, a season of traditions that we celebrate every year, a time that the community comes together in formal, fun, and often unexpected ways. With COVID-19 cases increasing around the country, we will have to modify how to observe carnival season to be safe for everyone.”
The decision has prompted mixed reactions from locals.
“There’s no Mardi Gras without parades,” one user commented on the mayor’s Twitter page.
“Mardi gras is the reason we have so many (COVID-19) cases. Cancel it. They’ll be OK,” another wrote.
There was also concern among local business owners who feared the impact of “modified” Mardi Gras celebrations.
“If no parades happen then float artists, krewes, and novelty manufacturers will suffer through 2022,” one man wrote on Mayor Cantrell’s Facebook page, adding: “Please champion a relief or something so our world doesn’t collapse further.”
The city’s website explains Mardi Gras can’t be canceled outright because it is a religious holiday.
While parades may be out of the question, city officials say Mardi Gras Krewes may hold modified balls that follow strict coronavirus safety guidelines, according to the city’s website. Bourbon Street and Frenchman Street will be open for business during Mardi Gras; however, hours of operation and capacity limits are subject to change.
“It is highly recommended that time in the city’s entertainment districts be limited and social distancing observed with mask wearing,” the city’s website states.
Residents have until Dec. 5 to submit ideas for Mardi Gras 2021.
Mardi Gras is Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021.
This story was originally published November 17, 2020 at 11:38 AM with the headline "New Orleans nixes plans for Mardi Gras parades in 2021. Here’s the reaction."