When it comes to Mardi Gras parades, none struck a chord more resonant with us here at The Pampered Pup than The Mystic Krewe of Barkus – the ultimate Mardi Gras parade for dogs. With a route encircling a 15-block radius, this parade of marvelously-dressed dogs started on the edge of Louis Armstrong Park, made its way across Bourbon Street, and reached just shy of the Mississippi River before returning back to the start on North Rampant Street.
After just shy of a three-decade stretch, The Krewe threw its last hurrah with a virtual parade taking place this past February. We are excited to have the honor of eternalizing the spirit of the Krewe of Barkus in this article here at The Pampered Pup.
Here’s a quick glimpse of the Krewe of Barkus in full fashion at the 2020 parade:
It’s no secret to our readers that we’re dog people, and a group that thrives on celebrating, pampering, and perhaps even spoiling our beloved canines with luxuries like the best fresh dog food we can find. What more could we ask for than a parade that put the dogs of Mardi Gras on the center stage year after year with themes such as “Jurassic Bark”, “Joan of Bark”, and beyond.
What is the Krewe of Barkus?
The Krewe of Barkus is a Mardi Gras parade for dogs and their owners that takes place in New Orleans, Louisiana. The event was started in 1992 by dog lovers who wanted to create a Mardi Gras parade that would be fun for both dogs and their owners. The Krewe of Barkus is known for its creative and often wacky costumes, floats, and throws.
Why is the Krewe of Barkus so popular?
There are a few reasons why the Krewe of Barkus has become such a popular event over the years. First, it’s a great way for dog owners to show off their furry friends’ personality and creativity. Second, the Krewe of Barkus is a great opportunity for dog lovers to socialize and meet other like-minded people. And last but not least, the Krewe of Barkus is just a really fun event to attend!
What happens at the Krewe of Barkus?
The Krewe of Barkus is a parade, so there is a lot of walking (or strutting, if you’re a dog). The parade route is usually about 2 miles long (the path can be tracked using app-enabled collars like the Halo), and it takes place in the historic French Quarter of New Orleans. Along the route, there are numerous stops where dogs and their owners can enjoy some refreshments and take a break from the parade.
A Recap Of The Barkus Dog Parade
It was truly a sight to be seen with dogs of all shapes and sizes adorned in bright, colorful, and shiny costumes as they paraded through the streets. While many owners chose to keep their pooch at home, those beloved pups who participated were truly in their element, glistening in the spotlight of attention while others bore complexions of confusion – as if they were wondering if their owners had slipped something funky into what seemed to be their routine regimen THC-Free CBD oil for dogs. Perhaps it was a sensory overload with all of the colors, fellow canine, the cheers of onlooking spectators, all coupled with the aromas of food and Bourbon Street shenanigans.
Some of the dogs took the opportunity to intermingle with their fellow canine brethren, embracing the opportunity to escape from the spacious confines of their wireless dog fence back home and intermingle with the community and world around them. Bark control collars removed, these dogs were adorable and happy – it was truly a great experience for the happy dogs and their beloved humans alike. It was one of the more jovial dog-centric parades of it’s day, there’s no question. Other dogs were a bit less optimistic however, and seem as though they would have been quite a bit more comfortable snuggled up safely in the shelter of their homes.
The Future Of Barkus
Will the spirit of The Krewe of Barkus live on for generations of pups and dog owners to come? As with many things in the age of the pandemic, the future is a bit uncertain. At the very least, we hope to create a place on the web where this fantastic event can be memorialized and treasured for years to come. While it’s not the only dog parade out there, it was certainly one of the more colorful and entertaining events for dogs and their owners alike.
In the mean time, the void of a dog-centric parade will give us and our bodies all a bit of a break. While this should help with the soreness and alleviate some of the need of dog joint supplements to help with the inflammation, it’s probably a good idea to keep your dog nail grinder at the ready so that your pet stays well-groomed – just in case public gatherings like this come back in vogue anytime soon. In the mean time, we’ll have to dress up with our dogs at home and celebrate this tradition of New Orlean’s Mardi Gras at a safe social distance.
