The Force was strong as thousands of “Star Wars” fans gathered in New Orleans Saturday night to pay tribute to the iconic sci-fi film.
The big group appeared in New Orleans’ French Quarter and Marigny was dressed head to toe in costumes ranging from Princess Leia to a pink Chewbacca.
Attendees celebrated the full return of the 13th annual event after the 2022 parade was canceled due to a shortage of police officers.
The Force was strong as thousands of “Star Wars” fans gathered in New Orleans Saturday night to pay tribute to the iconic sci-fi film
Hosted by Drew Barry of Shreveport, the event celebrates the Wookiee, the fictional aliens in the Star Wars universe known for their fur and size.
Participants are encouraged to create their own costumes for the early Mardi Gras celebration, with the theme of course.
Organizers say that after three years of event shocks and downsizing, they were ready to go big for 2023.
“We’ve been working without board member Freddie King and we’ve been preparing all year,” Chewbacchus overlord Simonette Berry told WWL in New Orleans.
According to the band’s website, Chewbacchus’ lobsters are a “Mardi Gras parade organization for the loudest of Star Wars geeks, Trekkies, Whovians, mega geeks, circuit benders, cryptozoologists, UFO conspiracy theorists, mad scientists and members of all other nerds.”
“We figured out how to hire extra security, and when it came time to fill out our permits, we were ready to go,” Berry said.
Last year the route was cut in half to just 1 mile, but now it maxes out at 2 miles.
Last year the route was cut in half to just 1 mile, but now it maxes out at 2 miles
It was an item thrown by Krewe members at Saturday night’s “Star Wars” parade
According to the group’s website, the Chewbacchus krewe is a “carnival parade organization for the hottest Star Wars freaks, Trekkies, Whovians, mega-geeks, circuit-benders, cryptozoigists, UFO conspiracy theorists, mad scientists and all other members .” Nerds’
A woman dressed as the sparkling Princess Leia
Leias galore! The event gathered huge fans of the galactic princess
The Mandalorian also performed during the parade
Some contestants took the opportunity to show off their makeup and costume skills
Collectors flocked to the streets of New Orleans to celebrate Star Wars and other fan bases
This ‘Star Trek’ item was thrown during Saturday night’s parade
Those present said they were also glad they were prepared.
“Oh, how fun that last year was too short. Yes, it was very short. We’re glad it’s back,” Krewe member Sarah Post told Fox 8 Live.
A krewe is a social group that organizes a parade during Mardi Gras season, usually associated with Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
Carnival takes place on February 21 this year.
Some “Avatar” fans showed up dressed head to toe in blue
A Krewe member appeared in an incredibly detailed and intricate rendering
This pin refers to a business on Tatooine, a planet in “Star Wars”
It’s a cross! James Cameron’s Avatar meets George Lucas’ Star Wars
Fandoms Unite: The event brought together fans of all different sci-fi TV shows and films
According to the local outlet, Chewbacchus is one of the easier crews to participate in.
“We’re Tulane students and we’ve done some Mardi Gras,” and we’re excited to be a part of the community. It’s wonderful. We were so lucky with the weather; the sunset was beautiful. It was a great day,” said Jack Clarke, who signed up weeks ago.
This year’s parade slogan was “Let the Wookie Win”.
The group kept the party going for hours as the ‘Chewbacchanal’ went to local bars and restaurants for the early Mardi Gras celebrations.
They came in peace! Some simply leaned into the sci-fi theme
This year’s parade route was two miles long and passed through the French Quarter and Marigny
These are some of the items that Kru members threw during the parade
Source link
James is an author and travel journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a love for exploring new cultures and discovering unique destinations, James brings his readers on a journey with him through his articles.
