It’s hard to have massive parades and parties during a pandemic, even if it’s a tradition to wear masks for some of the revelers, so Mardi Gras has been a bit different this year in the cities of Mobile, Alabama (where the tradition started in case you didn’t know) and New Orleans, Louisiana. Folks along the gulf have adapted and turned their homes into “house floats” in what they’re calling “Yardi Gras” and the results are fantastic.
Here are just a few shots from Mobile:
I particularly like this one that integrates another holiday with some Day of the Dead imagery!
Folks are showing off their houses and celebrations on social media as well in the #YardiGras hashtag. People are getting really creative!
Here’s more from Mobile:
Mobile Porch Parade! pic.twitter.com/nO5YXRoSmw
— Christy (@tatershell) February 14, 2021
But of course, New Orleans is going full tilt for the pandemic-style celebration.
I love that New Orleans sees the pandemic as a challenge. Happy #yardigras. @thelongboxguys @JimBlackheart pic.twitter.com/oH4inlwJWo
— Mike (@longboxguyMike) February 8, 2021
Joy of Painting with Bob Ross. Find it on Annunciation between Sixth and Seventh. #YardiGras pic.twitter.com/ZGi2gVQCt6
— Susan Whelan (@nolamaven) February 9, 2021
One more from Algiers Point. I can’t believe I forgot to share this one. SHARKNADO 🦈 #YardiGras pic.twitter.com/spKc1GprJo
— Susan Whelan (@nolamaven) February 14, 2021
Big unicorn energy 🦄 Find it on Third Street in the Garden District. #YardiGras pic.twitter.com/8YeYGbt807
— Susan Whelan (@nolamaven) February 14, 2021
#YardiGras strolling today? Bundle up, mask up & keep groups small. pic.twitter.com/N3YsOVbWlU
— NOLA Ready (@nolaready) February 13, 2021
Some people even seem to be repurposing Christmas decor:
You’re a mean one Mr. Covid #YardiGras #Nawlins pic.twitter.com/NJZ6wMBJ4P
— Lilith Dorsey (@LilithDorsey) February 15, 2021
Did these folks just … have a dinosaur hanging around?
Dinosaurs at dusk
Are a @HouseFloats must;
Dinosaurs at night
Are a #YardiGras delight. pic.twitter.com/RDLlgvpo40— Susan Whelan (@nolamaven) February 9, 2021
And more creativity:
Have ya all seen this Dr. Seuss/ Dr. Fauci house float in Napoleon Ave. – very clever! #housefloats #mardigras2021 #MardiGrasforAllYall #nola #neworleans pic.twitter.com/YNJGxsArYM
— Kenny Lopez (@KennyLopez_TV) February 15, 2021
Schitt’s Creek? Yes please!
It’ll be cold tomorrow, but stop by 504 Vallette in #algierspoint for one of our special throws! #kreweofmoiras #HouseFloats @SchittsCreek @danjlevy pic.twitter.com/Jyae951NDL
— Pam Kocke (@pyjammy) February 15, 2021
Of course Bernie showed up!
#HouseFloats Crete St between Ursulines and Orchid presents Bernie on the Bayou, with a life-sized rendering of the man himself. The artists encourage revelers to sit and take a pic with Bernie. pic.twitter.com/pWH1o5gXxl
— Tim Ruppert 🌻 (@tmruppert) February 9, 2021
Want more? Oh, we’ve got more. Here’s so video from NoLa/
Happy #LundiGras! Here are just a few of the house floats, from all over New Orleans, that professional artists and residents designed and installed to celebrate this unusual Mardi Gras. See more at https://t.co/J8BZOdmhpB. pic.twitter.com/BXBLHj3PYC
— WWOZ 90.7 FM (@wwoz_neworleans) February 15, 2021
No word on if folks will be throwing beads and moon pies from their balconies (seems unwise), but it’s really fun to see how many are making the most of a tough situation after a very tough year. So go check out the house floats in Yardi Gras online or even in your neighborhood or local area and laissez les bon temps roullez in safety!
(images: Chris Bryant)
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