When New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced late last year that parades would not be allowed to roll for Mardi Gras 2021, we knew that was only the beginning of the big shut down. Our most famous holiday brings in millions and millions of people, and a huge economic impact across the state. And it really stings that most Mardi Gras activities have come to a screeching halt due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

New Orleans Police issued some rules yesterday that pretty much insured that carnival revelers would not be welcome in the French Quarter and across the city for any festivities this weekend. But not everybody is shutting down on Fat Tuesday, and the weekend leading up to Mardi Gras day, which is February 16th.

Business owners in Jefferson Parish are expecting a huge spillover of carnival revelers due to the shut down of bars, live music, and Mardi Gras activities in neighboring Orleans Parish. Their regulations aren't nearly as strict as the ones in New Orleans, but they are quick to point out that State Fire Marshal officials will be on hand to make sure bars and businesses are operating within COVID-19 guidelines.

Metairie restaurant manager Theresa Thompson told WWL “I feel bad for everyone in Orleans Parish, but we’re really excited out here being in Metairie, we feel like it’s going to be a good weekend. We’re going to be eating crawfish all weekend long.”

Cynthia Lee Sheng, who is the Jefferson Parish President, is hoping the crowds will celebrate safely and follow all the guidelines so that Mardi Gras won't turn into another "superspreader event". Read more about Jefferson Parish gearing up for the carnival crowds from WWL

 

 

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