While many parade goers packed up and cleared out after the last throws of the night, plenty of die-hard Carnival fans were just getting started.
We headed to the parade route the night before Fat Tuesday to see who was sticking around and why. Turns out, for some, securing the perfect Mardi Gras morning spot is a full operation.
“That’s when the real work begins,” one man told us, pointing to a carefully arranged setup along the route. He said the overnight hours are all about locking down the perimeter and assigning shifts among family and friends to make sure their claimed territory stays put until sunrise.
For others, it’s less about guarding and more about community. One couple said they share their space each year with friends they’ve met along the route over time.
“We all look out for each other’s stuff,” they said. “If somebody needs a break, a food run, or a quick nap, someone’s always here.”
A mother and daughter duo told us their crew is smaller this year. but their determination isn’t.
"We’re still securing our location,” mom said with a laugh. “We’re just deciding whether we’re all going to tough it out together or rotate and take breaks.”
Some families have turned route strategy into a long-running tradition. One father and son said they’ve been doing this for about two decades; booking a hotel room on the route so they can hold their spot while still having a place to rest and recharge.
“It’s the best of both worlds,” he said. “You don’t lose your place, and you’ve got a bathroom and a bed nearby.”
From folding chairs to carefully marked boundaries, the overnight route told a story of planning, patience, and passion. For these fans, Mardi Gras morning isn’t something you just show up for, it’s something you prepare for.