The New Orleans region is known for its partying, and this year’s Mardi Gras was no exception. But the city also saw a rash of homicides, making it one of the most violent years in recent memory.
New Orleans police and the FBI are collaborating to enhance security in the weeks leading up to Mardi Gras. Their efforts include a focus on cracking down on gun crime across the city. This year, the city and its police department partnered with law enforcement agencies across the state to report 352 arrests and the removal of 244 guns on or near parade routes.
Despite all the violence, people were still out in full force as they celebrated Mardi Gras on Sunday night in New Orleans. Revelers were celebrating along the Bacchus parade route as well as in the French Quarter and downtown, according to WWL.
The day began with bright sunshine and temperatures that were unusually warm for this time of year. The sun drew crowds to Bourbon Street, the main drag in the heart of New Orleans where revelers clad in king cakes, beads and debutante balls flooded the streets.
But while New Orleans was awash in a festive atmosphere, a woman died after she was hit by a parade float Saturday evening during the Krewe de Bacchus float parade in the French Quarter. The 58-year-old was fatally injured after she attempted to cross between two sections of the tandem float but tripped over a hitch connecting the parts, authorities said.
This is the first homicide of the 2023 Mardi Gras season and comes as the City of New Orleans prepares for a big celebration that will draw about one million visitors. The city budgets for 1,500 police officers, but staffing levels have been declining recently and Mayor LaToya Cantrell said that if the city doesn’t have adequate police, it could cancel next year’s festivities.
More than a week after the homicide, New Orleans police still haven’t identified the suspect or even if they have any leads as to who fired the shots. In fact, they aren’t sure if anyone else was involved, according to Chief Deputy Hans Ganthier of the New Orleans Police Department.
There are few places in the world that get more hyped for Mardi Gras than Galveston, Texas, the island of sugar. The city is gearing up for its 111th annual Mardi Gras celebration, which will run from February 18 through March 1.
The weekend before the celebration, the island was awash in activity as people flocked to the beach and the water for boat races, music, fireworks and more. Some of the more popular events include a parade on the island’s main beach, Electric Mardi Gras and a balcony party at the Fish Tales Bar in the heart of downtown.
Another major event in the city is a musical called “Feast of All Saints.” It’s held on the second Sunday of each month and features live performances by local musicians.
A new restaurant opened in Ypsilanti, Michigan in 2021 that serves classic drinks like the Sazerac. The cocktail is made with whiskey, bourbon and lemon juice with ice.
