The friendly and furry Krewe of Barkus was set to parade for Mardi Gras on Sunday, February 23, but due to severe weather, the parade has been postponed. According to the krewe’s official website, the parade has been rescheduled for Sunday, March 9. The parade will follow its previously planned route through the French Quarter starting at N. Rampart at St. Ann and ending at Orleans & N. Rampart
An official statement from Krewe of Barkus states “While we are disappointed that we will not be able to roll on our original date, the safety, security, and parade day experience for all are our top priorities, and unfortunately, tomorrow does not allow for that. It is only fitting that with this year’s theme, Vanity Fur: Barkus Rules the Runway, in true Dogue and Vogue style, this year’s parade will be fashionably late.”
We look forward to taking photos of this iconic New Orleans krewe each year to see all the cute different dogs in costumes. Barkus remains the only canine krewe in New Orleans and has been a tradition since 1993. The krewe originated at a Margaret Orr (WDSU-TV Weather Anchor) Fan Club held at Good Friends Bar. Thomas Wood brought his dog Jo Jo McWood to the meeting, where people complained of her presence. As a comeback, Wood decided to make Jo Jo McWood the queen of her own krewe, giving birth to the Krewe of Barkus. Now, dogs from all over can join in on the Mardi Gras fun.
This year’s special Grand Marshal spot was awarded to a 17-pound Westie-Terrier mix named Scrim. The notorious escapee ran away from his adoptive home in 2024 and roamed the city for months before he was returned home. Just weeks later, Scrim jumped from the family’s second-story window and went viral from a recorded video. While Scrim was out wandering New Orleans, he survived two gunshot wounds, a hurricane, and blizzard conditions. Posters looking for Scrim plastered the area and locals were tracking his movements on surveillance cameras. Scrim is now safe, back at home with his family. It’s safe to say that Scrim is definitely deserving of his special role this year!
Words by Emily Cigan @emily.cigan and Amy Harris @thetraveladdictig