At this point in 2021, it seems a foregone conclusion that the upcoming Mardi Gras season is a bust. Even though it's not the first time in history that parades and balls have not happened in Louisiana, it still stings just a little bit (OK, a lot) that we won't have the revelry of our most famous holiday to celebrate this year.

The latest to announce the sad news that Mardi Gras parades are canceled this year is St Charles Parish. Late Thursday, parish officials announced that due to ongoing concerns about the coronavirus pandemic, they are canceling parades that were due to roll in February. The Krewe of Lul was set for February 14th, which is Lundi Gras, and the Krewe of Des Allemands was to roll on Mardi Gras day, February 15th.

St. Charles Parish President Matthew Jewell told NOLA.com "This was not an easy decision for the krewes to make, but a necessary one in light of the rise of COVID-19 cases throughout our region." Mitzi Petit, chairman for the Krewe of Des Allemands said the call was made because they were putting the health and welfare of krewe members and their community first. The Krewe of Lul is set to celebrate its 45th anniversary next year.

And also yesterday, Lafourche Parish issued a statement cancelling their 2021 festivities as well. Parish President Archie Chaisson told WDSU, through a Facebook post “After much consideration and consultation with local officials and krewes, we have decided to collectively cancel Mardi Gras parades parish-wide at this time."

In the New Orleans metro area, Orleans, St Bernard, St. Tammany, and St. John the Baptist parishes have already canceled Mardi Gras parades and events for this year. Jefferson Parish is contemplating moving celebrations to later this year.

 

 

Seven Things We Look Forward To In Louisiana During Winter

 

 

 

 

More From 97.3 The Dawg