If you operate a Carnival parade krewe and you advertise for riders during the 12-day official parade season you might be violating the law – at least in Orleans Parish where Carnival sanctity seems to have the most regard.
That “official” season stretches from two Fridays before Mardi Gras to the big day itself. During that period if you stage a parade that contains krewe sales pitches you could be in real trouble in the world of Carnival. There will not likely be SWAT teams surrounding your home and you will not be exported to Angola, but damn it, you will have violated the spirit of Carnival – at least in Orleans Parish.
It has long been illegal in New Orleans for krewes to advertise for riders. It is written into the ordinance governing the Carnival season. The thinking has been that such promotions just cheapen the season, sort of like ordering from a catalog. Also, according to Councilmember-at-large J.P. Morrell, who has become the unofficial shepherd of Mardi Gras rules, as quoted in The Times-Picayune, since “Carnival parades are heavily subsidized by the city’s public funds, they should not be viewed as advertising opportunities.” NOLA.COM reporter Doug MacCash noted that in 2024 some riders in the now defunct Krewe of Nyx tossed small gift bags that included information about advertised memberships. That, and other perceived violations, resulted in Nyx’s parade permit being pulled.
While display advertising in parades is strictly illegal (although commercialism is allowed in some neighboring parishes), what will be allowed is the use of social media.
All of this is happening at a time when the expense of Carnival has been analyzed as part of the overall budgetary process. To meet the demands for police, sanitation and facilities, the council recently raised the cost to krewes to be able to parade. Riders fees have always been a key source of income for the krewes – yet to restrict the methods for attracting riders makes the challenge more difficult.
That is the paradox of New Orleans trying to stage a quality event with the dignity of remaining commercial free. At least allowing the web might provide some new opportunities.
We will see what works–and may Spam be prohibited not just on Ash Wednesday, but in all social media as well.
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To contact Errol, email elabordenola@gmail.com.
BOOK ANNOUNCEMENTS: Errol’s Laborde’s new book, “When Rex Met Zulu: And Other Chronicles of the New Orleans Experience,” (Pelican Publishing Company, 2024) is now available at local bookstores and websites.
Laborde’s other recent publications: “New Orleans: The First 300 Years” and “Mardi Gras: Chronicles of the New Orleans Carnival” (Pelican Publishing Company, 2017 and 2013), are available at the same locations.
