Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus festivities kick off this year at 7 p.m. Jan. 28 from St. Claude at Franklin, according to the krewe. After the parade, all are invited to the Chewbacchanal after party at the Fillmore New Orleans, 6 Canal St.
IKoC is a Mardi Gras parade organization for Star Wars fans as well as “Trekkies, Whovians, mega-geeks, gamers, cosplayers, circuit benders, cryptozoologists, UFO conspiracy theorists, mad scientists, and all super nerds,” said the krewe.
Archives show that the IKoC has been a Carnival season fixture since 2011. It’s 2021 parade was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year, the sci-fi themed parade will proceed down the river side of St. Claude before turning left onto Elysian Fields and proceeding down the French Quarter side of Elysian Fields, then turning right on Decatur Street and continuing along Decatur to end at N. Peters at Conti Street. Information about getting involved with the parade is available here.
“Let the Wookie Win” is the theme for the 2023 parade. It is a reference to the film “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope”.
“Bandoliers & Bandolier Blocks are the signature throw of Chewbacchus, as a nod to the bandolier Chewbacca sports,” according to the krewe. “The original bandoliers thrown by the Krewe were made of fur, jute strapping and wood blocks that were decorated and stapled or glued together. For the 2015 parade, the signature throw was deconstructed as separate bandolier and bandolier block throws, so that parade go-ers and members could mix and match blocks from various subkrewes.”
Members of the krewe hand make bandoliers and other throws.
“The coolest part of gearing up for the parade is sitting around with your favorite Chewbs and making throws and costumes for the big day,” they said.
After the parade, all are invited to the Chewbacchanal from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
“The sublime music, aerialists, and dancers of the GOLDEN DAWN ARKESTRA will be gracing the stage, along with the electronic/brass fusion, dance-trance-inducing grooves of PEOPLE MUSEUM, and party machine DJ BOUFFANT BOUFFANT,” said the IKoC. “Performing exclusively in VIP are the dark synth pop sensation BABY BATS and Chewbacchus favorite DJ NOTHING.”
Those interested can learn more about the event on the krewe’s Facebook page. Non-member tickets can be purchased at the door or online. General admission tickets are $20 and VIP tickets (which offer access through a separate entrance as well as a private room with drink specials and complimentary food) are $80.
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