NEW ORLEANS — Mardi Gras parades are made from their traditions.
Krewes take pride in what they throw, the route they ride and even their day of the week.
But while most parades are celebrating the return to their traditional routes this year, the krewedelusion is being pushed to a new date and route.
Krewedelusion's parade was moved to Sunday, Feb. 5, due to "security and logistical concerns" from the New Orleans Police Department, according to krewe leaders.
And their route was just finalized on Tuesday — less than a week before they roll.
"We tried very hard to learn what they mean by that and what those specific concerns are so that we can address them," Kelly Martin, Conservator of the Krewe of Conus and the Keeper of the Safe Word for krewedelusion, said. "But that is ostensibly the reason they gave us."
We reached out to NOPD to see what security concerns caused the move. They said:
"We’ve been informed that the krewedelusion parade was moved to another day because of logistical issues that they could not resolve with Krewe du Vieux. The krewe was reportedly advised last September that they would have to change their parade date."
Krewedelusion leaders said that's not true.
"I don't think that quite makes sense," Martin said. "Krewe du Vieux isn't telling us we can't roll on our traditional night, NOPD is telling us we can't roll on our traditional night."
Krewe du Vieux is also dealing with their own route issues, after having to move their parade off of Frenchmen Street and Decatur due to more concerns from NOPD.
Despite their name, krewedelusion is embracing their new reality and making the best of their situation.
In fact, they've frozen their dues, letting anyone join in on their grand delusion for just $99. Details on how to join are available on their website.
"That's one of the most beautiful things about these smaller, walking krewes that still go through smaller neighborhoods," Martin said. "Krewedelusion is still accessible to everyone."
And that will stay true no matter when or where they roll.
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