Last year was my first full Mardi Gras season in New Orleans. I’ve spent a few Halloweens here and also a handful of St. Patrick’s Days in town, but Mardi Gras always eluded me.
It’s the city’s premiere event that lasts weeks. It’s not just Mardi Gras Day. There are dozens of krewes now- ones that dress up like space aliens, some that are in disguise as giant flowers- you name it. Some who do walking parades and some that do ones with elaborate floats. Mot float parades have spooky floats and by that I mean ones with a devil or supernatural goddess or creature at the front, as tall as a building. Parades can be gorgeous, stunning spectacles full of special artwork and magical handmade souvenirs made by krewe members.
Parades can also be loud, chaotic and disconcerting and claustrophobic too. This is truly scary. There have been mishaps and physical injuries during parades. Older people, disabled and children have a tougher time than normative able-bodied people. Everyone should be able to enjoy the artistry of the fantastic costumes, floats and be able to take home some throws.
Take for example, the Muses parade. Muses’ signature throws are whimsical glittered shoes. A member of Muses pointed at me and motioned for me to approach the float. She could give me the shoe in a bag because as she lowered it down, two other women elbowed me in the face and then fought each other for the bag that was meant for me. It’s really sad that this type of thing happens at what is supposed to be a joyous event. My 70+ year old mother really wanted to go see the flambeaus my neighbors told her about, but is frail and was afraid of crowds and people pushing.
Step in, Krewe of Krampus, started eight years ago by California transplants by way of Connecticut Diana and Mike Esordi. Krampus groups are not about devil worshiping. Krampus is a European folk tale about a devil who kidnaps and “beats” children who are bad during the Yuletide Season. It’s about encouraging people to not be “naughty”. This tradition has carried over to the United States and New Orleans is fortunate enough to have a group that shares this time tested tale.
Spooky spaces and joyous carnival spaces should be accessible spaces too, like all other public ones. It would be nice if the other krewes followed this model so that carnival in New Orleans could be something for all.
The Krewe of Krampus is set to roll starting at 7:30 pm on Saturday, December 12th. Maybe horned “monster” or some other sort of winter creature will hand you your own special lump of coal or yuletide bell… or if you’re at Accessibility Row – you could get your own Sensory Soother with Braille notes!
Photos via KreweofKrampus.com
Spooky Spaces 