The city of New Orleans is green-lighting Mardi Gras parades, barring any unforeseen issues. You can probably expect the same from Jefferson and St. Tammany parishes, according to one Mardi Gras expert.
"We all have been waiting for that," Mardi Gras Guide publisher Arthur Hardy said. "I think this green light, it can only be good news for everybody."
Hardy said for the most part, krewes have been assuming they will roll in 2022, but he also said that was a pretty big assumption. Officials in Jefferson Parish and St. Tammany Parish say they are also expecting parades, but hearing New Orleans say as much makes it easier.
"No parish officials wants to be an outlier and say 'we're going to do it, we don't care what New Orleans does,' that would send a bad signal," said Hardy.
Not everything is settled for Mardi Gras 2022 in New Orleans.
"Big question is about routes -- will Endymion have its route in Mid-City, will Zulu be on Jackson Avenue, will Thoth do its 'Krewe of the shut-ins' business?" questions Hardy. "Those are still big questions."
Hardy said he is optimistic the issues with NOPD staffing can be resolved, and is hoping the next big announcement is that parades will be able to mostly roll on their traditional routes.
Mardi Gras is Tuesday, March 1. Parade season in New Orleans should begin Friday, February 18.
