Yet another STILL ONGOING worldwide pandemic [WEAR YOUR DAMN MASKS] casualty is the legendary annual celebration in New Orleans to ring in Mardi Gras with a parade, which the city has now officially cancelled for 2021.
There are days when it truly feels like 2020 has stretched into a five-year nightmare. We keep thinking of the “Star Trek: Voyager” episode “Year Of Hell,” because that really sums up this particular calendar experience.
Communications Director for New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, Beau Tidwell, announced during a press conference yesterday the plans to outright cancel the parade.
Tidwell said:
“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 mayor has neither the power nor the desire to cancel Mardi Gras. It’s a holiday, and it’s going to happen one way or another.
I don’t think this should be a surprise to anyone that this is a consideration. Parades, as we have traditionally celebrated them here, are not possible under the current guidelines, and that’s why we’re asking for people to help us work on some creative alternatives.
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.”
You can read the city’s updated FAQ regarding Mardi Gras on the official Mayor of New Orleans’ website here.
