The Beaucoup writers experienced the Krewe of Carnivale en Rio Mardi Gras Parade. Here are their thoughts.
Meg Norwood
Illustrations Editor
Going to the Krewe of Carnivale en Rio Mardi Gras Parade was truly a blast. From Star Wars to Ghostbusters to acrobatics, the parade was full of entertaining performers who made the parade much more enjoyable. Although there were no moon pies thrown, this parade still had a bunch of interesting throws, including light up beads, ramen noodles, throw cups, and I ended up catching a blue rubber chicken I have named Fred.
The entire event was fun from start to finish. Police doing synchronized driving, fun floats blasting classic music from the early 2010’s, bands and dance performers from the nearby high schools and fun groups all dressed up and dancing. I had so much fun going to this parade with my coworkers. This is definitely an experience I would love to have again next year if ever given the chance.
Nyria Mustiful
Allons Writer
The Krewe of Carnivale en Rio parade was so much fun! There were so many people out there celebrating. I’ve only been to one other parade in Lafayette before this one, so the atmosphere was still an adjustment of sorts. I think the biggest shock, if you will, was that the parade wasn’t as long as the parades in my hometown. I was expecting it to last at least 2-3 hours.
When I go to parades, I always try to catch special beads and toys to remember the parade by. This time around was no different. I caught a light up ball with “The Krewe of Carnivale en Rio” on it. My coworker, Meg Norwood, and I both caught light up whistles that said the same thing. We then proceeded to dub ourselves as “Whistle Twins”. Overall, I enjoyed the experience and I hope to catch the parade again.
Sarah Guidry
Managing Editor
The Krewe of Carnivale en Rio was one of the most colorful parades I have seen to date. The parade was led by teams of sheriffs on motorcycles clearing the streets, followed by police on horseback. I got to pet the horse nearest to my side of the barricade, which was really cool.
The floats were very colorful and had themes relating to Rio de Janeiro and the Carnival celebration. My favorite float was toucan themed and had toucan birds adorning the sides and all the people on it had feather costumes that resembled exotic birds. There were also many talented dance teams and marching bands that provided breaks of dance and song in between the floats.
I caught souvenirs while at the parade. For the most part it was a lot of beautifully colored beads, but I also was thrown a purple lightsaber and a stuffed duck that has a mohawk. I would definitely recommend it to anyone.
Marie Ducote
Allons Writer
This was my second year going to the Rio parade with my friends and I enjoyed it just as much as last year. Last year’s parade had freezing temperatures and this year’s parade had the perfect weather. It was very nice parade weather. We had the perfect spot to catch beads and other items being thrown. My favorite thing was a pair of light up heart shaped glasses.
All the floats had stuff to throw and I have a few favorite costumes I saw. I liked the Ghostbusters group. They even had their cars made up how they look in the movies. The parade had a good crowd and all different ages. I am glad that the rain we have been having off and on all week finally calmed down enough for the parade. Everyone was dancing and singing to the music that was coming out of the float. It was a perfect parade.