Can you believe we’ve been doing this for 24 years?? We can’t, but it’s because we’ve been having so much fun! At the beginning of each year we start planning, creating, moving and shaking, all to put together the most creative and fun Fat Saturday and Fat Tuesday celebrations you can imagine. (Or, at least, WE think so). This year’s parade and 2nd line celebration will be no different: ALL FUN FOR EVERYONE!
The fun starts with the Fat Saturday Parade of Fools. Costumes, floats, and beads, beads, beads! This family-friendly event is fun to watch and even more fun to participate in. Bring your friends and family, and join the fun! This year LOVE IS IN THE AIR, because Fat Saturday falls on Valentine’s Day! Why is this, you ask? (I heard you). Well, here’s a brief explanation of why the date changes every year:
The Carnival season actually begins on Jan. 6, which is King’s Day (Feast of the Epiphany).
Fat Tuesday (“Mardi Gras” in French) is the final day before Lent, the season leading up to Easter. Mardi Gras is never on the same day each year because Easter Sunday is never on the same Sunday each year. Fat Tuesday is always the day before Ash Wednesday, and Fat Saturday is the Saturday before that.
Two celebrations in one day adds up to one very special day! Bring your love to the parade, and we’ll blow kisses to you while we throw you beads. The fun starts at 2 pm on the Fayetteville Square, travels down Block Street to Dickson, and then all the way down to West. Who knows, you may have time for some last-minute Valentine shopping downtown!
Fat Tuesday on Dickson festivities will begin about 7 pm, starting at Jose’s. The Crowning of the Royalty of the Demented Krewe of Dickson will be held around 8 pm. The Krewes then begin a foot parade with the Billy Zydeco Band through sponsoring clubs on Dickson Street. Participation in the second line parade is open to all adults (sorry kiddos, bedtime). Feeling a little Demented of late? Come join us!
We hope you will join the fun!