Winegirls were in Mardi Gras, marching in the Krewe of Cork parade through the New Orleans French Quarter as ‘Winos in Wonderland’ on Friday, February 18th. Carnival season is in full swing in New Orleans as locals and out-of-towners kick out the jams before the season of Lent, with parades back in 2022 after Covid shutdowns. Mardi Gras parades throughout New Orleans started January 6th (3 Kings Day) and continue until Fat Tuesday (‘Mardi Gras’ in French), which is March 1, 2022.
Winegirls and friends managed to get coveted spots on the Krewe of Cork, led by King Patrick van Hoorebeek, owner of Patricks Bar Vin in the French Quarter. This colorful walking Krewe is dedicated to the celebration of all things wine -we found a kindred tribe! And I got my first look into a Mardi Gras experience, at least for this one Krewe.
Participants must be in a wine-themed costume and pay a membership fee. The fee covers the costs of city-levied parade fees and Krewe activities leading up to our actual parade on Friday, February 18th, including a wine party meet-and-greet, a festive morning check-in street party on Royal Street, and a wine-filled brunch at the Court of Two Sisters.
The Winegirls in Mardi gras was part of a group that dressed under the theme ‘Winos in Wonderland’, with a couple of Alice characters, White (wine) rabbits, Mad Hatters, Queen of Hearts, and Tweedle Drink and Tweedle Drunk.
The parade through the New Orleans ‘ French Quarter began at 3 pm, and it was fun to see the faces of people young and old, including families with kids, as we tossed throws (beads and specially designed wine trinkets) to the crowd. This was the largest crowd of people that I’ve been close to in over two years, but I felt safe from crime and infection. Wine ‘police’ kept us fortified throughout the walk. The day ended with a fun after-party of more food, drink, and dancing to the Bag of Donuts band at the Royal Sonesta. Cheers!
