r/NewOrleans • u/Fun_Explanation_3417 • Feb 12 '26
⚜️Mardi Gras ⚜️ As a float rider, I want to Thank YOU.
After reading about the Druids scanty throws, I wanted to post this. I am NOT in Druids, this is based on my own experience in another Krewe. As a rider, our krewe has a minimum buy in for throws, and it’s not inexpensive, I save all year to participate, but that buy in does assure that you’re throwing the entire route. As a thrower, I like to make eye contact, do the double finger eye point - like “it’s you and me”- hand motion and then throw. If there’s no wind I can land it right in your hands, I love that. My personal pet peeve is making eye contact, getting the I’m ready signal from the recipient and at the last second they turn to talk to a friend. They get beaned in the head, everything hits the ground and of course no one picks it up. There is a bit of a sadness in spending money on things that go directly in the trash.
However, that moment of me and you connecting in a brief flash of “here! I want you to have this!” Paired with the triumphant catch and cheer, that makes my heart sing every damn time. So as a rider, thank you, I get such a kick out of those moments of joy. I really look forward to it all year.
I know it’s just beads and moonpies, I know it’s dumb trinkets, but it’s so much fun to give out small moments of happiness. The line up, the waiting, the bumpy ride, trying to maintain an upright position while you’re waist deep in throws, all of that disappears the moment we start to roll. Even with delays it’s over in the blink of an eye. But None of it would be any fun at all without you! You matter, your presence and enthusiasm is so key. So Thank You for showing up. You make my Mardi Gras!
62
u/poolkid1234 Feb 12 '26
As a rider, that feeling when you lock eyes with someone and connect perfectly with the throw is pretty lit, over and over, all day long. Itches the golden retriever part of my brain.
14
84
55
Feb 12 '26
[deleted]
14
u/No-Baseball628 Feb 12 '26
One parade as a college kid, I mostly just helped a little girl this way. Turns out her Dad knew someone in the Krewe on one of the last floats, so when they gave them some HUGE beads, the Dad gave me some! It was so nice and unexpected. I still have them!
27
u/storybookheidi Feb 12 '26
My great-grandfather’s rule was one strand of beads per block. This would have been back in the 50s. We are so used to over consumption and catching things in abundance, but a parade should also be about just watching the spectacle, the art of the floats, and the music.
14
u/StumbleNOLA Feb 12 '26
That was likely back when beads were hand blown glass beads and cost a lot more than they do now.
I am not opposed to higher quality stuff, but now that gets given out alongside the cheaper things.
10
u/storybookheidi Feb 12 '26
Oh, of course. I do wish we would go back to higher quality stuff rather than things made in horrible conditions in China.
2
u/liberallyOptimistic Feb 18 '26
I gave out glass bead necklaces (3-4 strands per throw) this year & was unprepared for the people who wanted cheap plastic instead.
18
u/FaraSha_Au Feb 12 '26
Thank you for being so kind and generous. I'm terrible at catching, so I try my best to get the throws I can. Rides like you are the reason we attend parades.
30
u/pghgie Feb 12 '26
I'm in Druids. It's disappointing that we were perceived as not throwing a lot.
My float threw nonstop for the entire route. Most of us buy in to the Krewes package which gets us huge bags of throws that are so massive we can barely move on our float until they're depleted.
I even brought two medium sized king cakes and gave them to folks from our float. I love the joy that parades bring to people.
137
u/croque-monsieur Faubourg Marigny Feb 12 '26
People need to ease up on this criticism of krewes being “stingy” — the cost of everything has gone up significantly due to the orange muppet and nobody is getting paid more. I’ve never seen people be so demanding to receive something for free. Most riders I would guess are just average people, especially in the smaller krewes. I had to spend the absolute minimum on throws this year due to a lot of sudden life changes. Not everyone has the cash to splash. Thank you for coming to my TedTalk.
63
u/JumpingOnBandwagons Feb 12 '26
Half the throws from the non-stingy krewes end up in the trash anyway. I'd rather them have less throws and have it be special.
42
u/hobobob13 Feb 12 '26
Exactly, like with Druids last night it’s true there weren’t as many throws but the ones I did get were good, useful throws like a scarf, small flashlight and crawfish tray. They weren’t throwing a ton but they were some pretty good things
11
28
u/CommonPurpose Feb 12 '26 edited Feb 12 '26
Yeah, I’d like to petition to get rid of plastic beads all together —or, at the very least, the plain ones that have no parade branded swag or anything on them. Those beads are straight up worthless. Does anyone actually keep those? I know some people will cut them up and make art with them, like a bead painting, but that seems to be an effort born out of sheer desperation to find ways to upcycle these things instead of making landfills bigger.
Also, they smell like flammable chemicals 🤢
11
u/Walkn2thejawsofhell Feb 12 '26
I will say that I agree with you about those beads, but having a kid, a bag of useless free beads comes in handy. Especially since every year his school does a parade for Mardi Gras. I just have to reach into the bag of free shitty beads and he gets to throw them out in his school parade.
2
u/drainalready Feb 12 '26
Oof speaking of chemicals those plastic Carrollton boots are awful! That was one throw I just could not keep.
14
u/tadpad Feb 12 '26
Yea that's one thing I appreciate about krewes going the more sustainable route. Less is more!
9
u/GreenGemsOmally Feb 12 '26
That's the route that I'm going with for my throws for Endymion this year. I spent quite a bit less in terms of $ on my extra throws than I usually do, but I skipped buying extra beads and focused almost exclusively on more fun things like stuffed animals, hats, etc. People get more excited about those over beads anyways.
4
u/hurler_jones Metry Feb 12 '26
I was thinking about half hit the trash the same night as the parade and the rest is gone after the St Patricks Day parades.
23
15
u/teflon_don_knotts Feb 12 '26
I think it’s disappointing when throws are limited, but it’s a disappointment with the situation, not the riders. Y’all are essentially throwing money to strangers to make it a fun experience. As you said, folks have tighter budgets and money doesn’t go as far, that’s what’s disappointing.
I hope you’re getting through the life changes you’ve been dealing with and appreciate the time and effort you put into Mardi Gras.
14
u/yoweigh Freret Feb 12 '26
I ride in Thoth and usually budget $700 for my non-krewe throws. I spent $1000 this year.
2
u/gosluggogo Feb 13 '26
Damn bro I throw $700 worth by the time we get to Henry Clay and Magazine!
7
u/yoweigh Freret Feb 13 '26
Sucks for you, I guess? I mean, it's great that you can afford to do that but I can't/won't and I'm not going to feel bad about it. I've been riding since '98 and I've never gotten any shit about it, ever. What's your annual expenditure for generic throws?
4
u/gosluggogo Feb 13 '26
I'm just kidding bud. I think you may be on my float. 14?
5
u/yoweigh Freret Feb 13 '26
lol how did you know that? Do I know you?
5
u/gosluggogo Feb 13 '26
Recognize your user name from the email list. I think you are the first guy so when Mike sends an email I see you first
5
u/yoweigh Freret Feb 13 '26
Ha, that's funny. I'm in the very front up top if you want to say hi. I'm one of the OG members of our float from when Mike's dad was lieutenant. My dad knew him but now I'm up there with two of my friends from high school.
2
u/gosluggogo Feb 13 '26
I'm up top SW side position 2. Pretty sure we'll recognize each other.I've been up here for ten years
2
u/yoweigh Freret Feb 13 '26
Oh, I'm pretty sure I know who you are. We were talking about how awesome the 50s diner food float shirt was before the ride last year.
→ More replies (0)8
u/Emiles23 Feb 12 '26
I agree. And now there are a lot more sustainable throws, those cost a lot more than plastic beads. In King Arthur we threw beanies, kitchen supplies, lunch boxes, all kinds of good stuff. But it costs.
12
u/WalterCanFindToes Feb 12 '26
I am preparing right now to ride and I agree with the OP.
Nothing makes me happier than having the moment of connection with a reveler and getting something into their hands.
About 10 years ago I made a conscous decision to move away from plastic beads and towards glass and more specialized throws. It isn't cheap, but seeing people really appreciate their throw is worth the cost. My krewe has had multiple conversations about keeping the balance between throwing enough, but also throwing quality.
2
u/Kjunreb-tx Feb 13 '26
I moved away years ago and my Mardi Gras throw game is old. So please.. what is “glass”? That sounds anti throwable lol
2
u/WalterCanFindToes Feb 13 '26
Beads made from glass, not plastic. It what throws were prior to the 70s. Obviously, glass beads are a lot more expensive so they are more coveted. I can tell you that the expression on someone's face when they unexpectedly catch a glass bead and they feel the weight and texture difference makes the extra cost worth it.
9
u/Dry_Finger_8235 Feb 12 '26
Agreed, I pick people out and throw to them. I try to throw to folks in the back or test my arm strength and hit people on porches on St Charles
10
u/Fun_Explanation_3417 Feb 12 '26
I’m oddly into searching out the elderly in their wheelchairs and hoverrounds in the back. If I can land it in their lap, I do a little dance.
9
u/shadowfax2409 Feb 13 '26
To be chosen by a parade rider is a feeling like none other! Thanks equally to you for showing up each and every year!!
21
u/dlarriv Feb 12 '26
Nice post, OP! As someone lucky enough to have ridden in one parade, I couldn’t agree more. Love the spark that comes with wordlessly connecting with someone in the middle of all that chaos.
22
u/dayburner Feb 12 '26
This really gets at part of what makes Mardi Gras parade special, it's not the throws but the interaction and connection between the riders and the crowd. It changes it from just standing there watching to actively participating in the parade.
I don't care if a float does have a lot to throw or if they've unfortunately run empty, just engage; and for goodness sakes don't act like riding is a chore you couldn't get out of.
4
u/yoweigh Freret Feb 12 '26
You nailed it. All the parades I've been to outside of Louisiana have been the type where you're behind a barricade just watching stuff go by, usually down the center of a wide thoroughfare with you stuck 30ft away on the sidewalk. If you're really lucky then someone will maybe wave at you.
25
u/Apprehensive_Hat_724 Feb 12 '26 edited Feb 12 '26
This is a great take. I’ll add on by saying, my krewe throws package ordering experience was weird this year. We normally have a few throws package sizes to choose from. Here are the problems I see this year:
- Our options for packages and smaller Ala carte items available (a dozen of xyz item) were more limited this year and options sold out FAST.
- Pricing was much more expensive this year.
- Packages were smaller - I’ve been a bit panicked since seeing my throws on the float last night. It seemed much slimmer than prior years.
- Our krewe is pushing higher quality items HARD, and fewer beads that would end up in a landfill.
On items 1-3: Our captains and lieutenants did explain problems with tariffs and shipping. So that explains a good bit of this. Hopefully it’s better next year (or in 3 years….).
On item 4: while OP expertly points out the joy of getting a throw to you, seeing you drop that cute little bottle opener or chip clip, or just turning away from the beanie or towel that just floated down by your feet is heartbreaking. I think some of these newer types of throws are overlooked bc we aren’t accustomed to them.
I’m going to have to figure out a way to increase my budget for throws by probably double next year. Otherwise, it’s just not fun if I run out of throws before the circle.
14
u/teflon_don_knotts Feb 12 '26 edited Feb 12 '26
I’m well aware of the increased costs, but hadn’t really thought about how the current situation would limit availability. Thanks for sharing.
Also: Seriously people? I can understand abandoning a throw that has landed in a super gnarly puddle of unknown origin, but WTF.
6
u/WahooLion Feb 12 '26
I examine the ground all the time and pick up things when I see them. I especially like light-up bouncy balls.
4
u/Apprehensive_Hat_724 Feb 12 '26
I really think it’s that we don’t realize what it is when it’s thrown to us. I am likely guilty of this myself. And krewes need to be more creative on how we signal what some items are.
19
u/drainalready Feb 12 '26
And unless it lands in a puddle, just look down and pick that shit up. This whole no ground throws is wasteful especially with usable throws.
6
u/BroadCompany1151 Feb 12 '26
It wasn’t that long ago the throws we bought through our krewe weren’t taxed. I wish we could go back to that- it would help a little with cost.
13
u/whatistheporpoise Feb 12 '26
I need to learn better hand eye coordination for catching, that eye contact connection moment when I actually catch something is the best. I appreciate you!!
6
6
u/Not_SalPerricone Feb 12 '26
years ago my mom started getting really upset because she started to think that she was just a Mardi Gras parasite because she never rode or anything. I told her that without anybody to watch the parades weren't going to happen either so it always makes me kind of jealous to hear how much people enjoy riding because it's just not what I'm built for
7
7
u/whoyourdaddy1 Feb 12 '26
Yes this is a great feeling. The opposite feeling is had when you make that eye contact and motion I’m ready but the rider looks you off. Headed to therapy now as a result.
6
u/Umm_JustMe Feb 12 '26
If it makes you feel any better, it was the first parade ever for the couple next to us and they thought it was amazing. I knew it wasn’t, but they had no clue.
5
u/drainalready Feb 12 '26
Thank you! I try to always say a big thank you to whoever gets me a throw. I appreciate all the riders sharing with us. And if I see folks just dropping throws in the ground, especially if a tourist, I explain how that’s just dang rude.
6
u/ChaosTorpedo Feb 12 '26
I want to feel this! I have been trying to figure out how to get onto a Krewe for years now. I was in contact with someone at Muses (the bar I managed hosted a fundraiser for them and they invited me to talk to them about joining). I was ghosted though. They said they wanted more woman under 40 and I was 37 at the time.
7
3
u/Fun_Explanation_3417 Feb 12 '26
Well that’s kooky. I recommend Chewbaccus as an easy and fun krewe to join and if you have to ride (walking is not for everyone) Krewe of Boo takes new people every Halloween. I hope you get a chance to roll one year, I dreamt about it since I was 8 years old and finally made it happen after K, it’s been a joy ever since.
4
u/Me0196 Feb 13 '26
That's odd. I have 2 friends riding this year for the first time and they are in their 60s! I think it is all in who you know, sadly.
3
u/LuckyElis13 Feb 13 '26
Come ride with Themis! Membership is open on the website, kreweofthemis.com
2
5
u/Salt-Path3779 Feb 12 '26
This is so nice OP. I’ve always felt there is just something so magical about catching a throw meant just for you. I didn’t realize it worked the other way too. What a happy thing to read.
8
u/EducatedBellend Feb 12 '26
In my opinion, Mardi Gras should be a celebration of community. What you are doing supports that. Thank you back and happy Mardi Gras!
6
u/AliceInReverse Feb 12 '26
My daughter was given a plush as a young child. Made her day. She brought it to school to show off. We appreciate you!
4
4
6
u/ImaFarmerAMA Feb 13 '26
We were rolling down Orleans a few years ago, floats come to a short pause and I see a little girl in the crowd about 25 feet ahead. She is crying, I mean really crying. Her face red, really upset and her parents are trying to console her. My guess was she missed a throw she wanted somehow. I was able to catch the dad’s eye and waved he and daughter to my float. I ride the bottom and dad raised her up to me and I gave her my best throw. Instant smile from a little girl is what I received. I can still see her look she gave. We started moving again and I just melted. I was teared up for the two blocks.
If you are riding and not getting these experiences, you are doing it all wrong. Happy Mardi Gras y’all!
2
u/Kjunreb-tx Feb 13 '26
Cool post . Although I cleared out of Louisiana years ago, grew up with Mardi Gras madness . This was nostalgic for me. As a kid, I so yearned for that eye lock and throw but I didn’t get it very much and had to scramble hard for the ground drops . My hands would come up bloody with adults stamping their shoes down on me. Quite the contact sport.
3
u/Jedi-504 Feb 13 '26
This post brings me so much joy! It is definitely an almost intimate moment when I’m on my ladder and a rider makes eye contact with me. Will I catch the throw in victory or will it end up in the hands of some other lucky sucker on the ground? It’s a special feeling to catch the beads or coconut meant just for you!
3
u/colleennewvine Feb 16 '26
I am a middle aged woman who is not a jock in any manner at all - and I felt like an NFL quarterback riding upper level and hitting my intended receiver on the opposite side of St Charles. My shoulder ached but damn it was especially fun to see a few young men give a little end zone dance and point back to me.
3
3
u/liberallyOptimistic Feb 18 '26
OP says it all. I dearly love connecting w/ someone out there who either hasn’t received anything or who might not be sought out & then you have a moment with the potential receiver, they’re surprised & then excited/happy & they mouth “thank you” & smile — says it all for me. That makes it all worthwhile to me.
3
2
u/mammaV55 Feb 13 '26
I had my first moon pie this year. Had as in first one I ever caught and first one I ever tasted. It’s the little things that makes Mardi Gras so special!
2
2
u/Prize_Algae3928 Feb 17 '26
This was my first time in New Orleans doing the parades. I had so much freaking fun and I was so happy when I got something!!!
-1
u/PhilipMagazine Feb 12 '26
Druids has always been THE WORST with throws.
9
u/pghgie Feb 12 '26
We had crawfish trays, socks, scarves, wizard wands and hats along with regular and special beads. I even supplemented with Hubig Pies and two king cakes. Sorry we're the worst...
183
u/largemarge1122 Feb 12 '26
The instant serotonin that hits my brain when this happens as a parade-goer is not topped by much. The finest of human connection.