New Orleans knows how to throw a party, and on Saturday, October 24, the city turns the French Quarter into the “Boo Carre” as the Krewe of BOO! rolls through with the official Halloween parade of New Orleans — free and open to everyone.
Since 2007, the Krewe of BOO! has been the city’s official Halloween parade, blending the spectacle of Mardi Gras with the spooky fun of All Hallows’ Eve. This year’s parade rolls at 6:30 p.m., starting on Elysian Fields Avenue and winding through the French Quarter past Jackson Square, then up Canal Street and down Tchoupitoulas to the Warehouse District.
The floats are pure Halloween magic: giant 3-D fiberglass and papier-mache creations by world-renowned Kern Studios, featuring werewolves, ghosts, vampires and other monsters. More than a thousand participants join the fun, including marching bands, dance troupes and walking krewes, tossing candy, light-up medallion beads, doubloons and toys to the cheering crowds.
Costumes are encouraged, the whole family is welcome, and watching is completely free — just bring a bag for your throws. The spooktacular weekend also includes a Zombie Run on Saturday morning and a post-parade Monster Mash costume party.
Mark your calendar for October 24 and get ready to yell: “Throw me something, Monstah!”
Photo: Roberto Serrini
