Mardi Gras is the most special time of year in New Orleans. There are two big weekends of parades but the festivities occur for over a month. I never miss Mardi Gras and try to be in the city and catch as many parades as possible. This year I started my parade season with The Krewe of Cork.
![Krewe of Cork Parades In New Orleans](https://thetraveladdict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/DSC06851-1024x683.jpg)
Krewe of Cork kicked off the first big weekend of Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans at 3 PM on Friday February, 10.
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The rain drops that started to fall right before the parade started could not keep the crowds away that lined along the Royal and Bourbon Street parade route.
![Krewe of Cork Parades In New Orleans](https://thetraveladdict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/DSC07063-1024x683.jpg)
The krewe was founded in 2000 by those who have a true love of all things wine. King Patrick van Hoorebeek is always lead the parade with the giant glittering disco ball cup of wine with current and former krewe royalty.
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Krewe of Cork celebrates food, wine and fun with a spirited walking parade through the French Quarter eleven days before Mardi Gras each year.
![Krewe of Cork Parades In New Orleans](https://thetraveladdict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/DSC06910-683x1024.jpg)
Krewe members wear costumes with a wine-related theme and toss throws bearing their grape logo.
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This year costumes included groups dressed as mimes, Lion King themes, wine barrels and many more.
![Krewe of Cork Parades In New Orleans](https://thetraveladdict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/DSC06903-1024x683.jpg)
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![Krewe of Cork Parades In New Orleans](https://thetraveladdict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/DSC07370-1024x683.jpg)
The parade’s Grand Marshal is a different vintner ever year, and the krewe stops in front of selected hotel restaurants for toasts.
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A special treat was when the George Washington Carver marching band stopped and performed outside the Royal Senesta Hotel on Bourbon Street.
![Krewe of Cork Parades In New Orleans](https://thetraveladdict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/DSC07104-1024x683.jpg)
After the procession ends, the wine continues to flow at the “King and Queen Libation Ball.”
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In addition to the parade, krewe members gather on the first Friday of each month at area restaurants for T.G.I.C.D. (Thank Goodness It’s Cork Day.)
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They also participate in the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience Royal Street Stroll, and enjoy wine dinners and other special occasions, such as road trips and wine tastings.
![Krewe of Cork Parades In New Orleans](https://thetraveladdict.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/DSC06807-1024x683.jpg)