New Orleans Introduces New ‘Yardi Gras’ Tradition

The coronavirus pandemic has canceled many events, including the Mardis Gras parades in New Orleans. The city’s resilient residents weren’t about to let the party go entirely and decided to make it a house party — literally. Thus, Yardi Gras was born.

CBS News reports that Yardi Gras started as a social media joke. Megan Boudreaux tweeted that she would turn her house into a float to compensate for the annual parade’s cancellation. Now, more than 3,000 homes have been turned into colorful “floats.”

The neighborhoods have gone all out with their decorating! One community pays homage to the Cafe Du Monde beignet, while one house pays tribute to The Queen of Bounce, Big Freedia. Freedia even stopped by the house to check it out. Some homeowners have hired out-of-work artists or rented props from float companies struggling during the pandemic as a means to give back to their community. 

“I’m definitely overwhelmed at just how over the top the response has been,” Boudreaux said.