NEW ORLEANS — The city of New Orleans has received commitments from enough law enforcement groups to return Carnival parades to their traditional routes in 2023, Mayor Cantrell announced formally Monday.
“The returning of our beloved Mardi Gras parades to their original routes symbolizes the great cultural, economic and historical significance Carnival Season has for our great city," she said.
At a rally and press conference on Mardi Gras and safety, Interim Police Superintendent Michelle Woodfork said they received more participation than they expected and more than enough to provide for a safe Mardi Gras.
The city returned to parading in 2022 after a year off due to COVID restrictions but a lack of police manpower led to a shortening of parade routes, which was especially tough for two of the larger krewes with unique routes to serve their fans in Thoth and Endymion.
In 2022 though, there was some doubt about Mardi Gras parades as COVID continued, whereas in 2023 there was more time to put together help.