New Orleans City Council considering changes for Thursday parades before Mardi Gras

NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans City Council is considering changes to the lineup for parades that roll on the Thursday before Carnival.

The proposed changes were submitted to the council in an email by representatives of the krewes Chaos, Babylon, and Muses.

The email proposes that Chaos would roll at 4:30 p.m., followed by Babylon at 5:30 p.m., and Muses at 6 p.m.

The krewes also suggested a change that any float, marching band, or walking element not in the lineup on time would not be allowed to roll.

Another change includes the krewes limiting the use of flambeaux, minimizing horseback riders, and including a tow truck that would ride parallel to the parade in the event of a float becoming stuck or breaking down.

The email was submitted to the council on Thursday, Sept. 11, and the krewes hope the council will draft and vote on the ordinance by Sept. 25.

Councilmember Joe Giarrusso confirmed there is a discussion about the proposed changes, but said those changes have not been finalized.

According to the email, all three krewes’ captains are in agreement with these changes.

Traditionally, Babylon is the first krewe to roll at 5:30 p.m., followed by Chaos. Muses would then follow around 6:30 p.m.