The force was strong with thousands of “Star Wars” fans gathered in New Orleans on Saturday night to pay tribute to the iconic sci-fi film.
The large group appeared in New Orleans’ French Quarter and Marigny dressed from head to toe in costumes ranging from Princess Leia to a pink Chewbacca.
Attendees celebrated the full return of the 13th annual event after the 2022 parade was canceled due to a shortage of police officers.
The force was strong with thousands of “Star Wars” fans gathered in New Orleans on Saturday night to pay tribute to the iconic sci-fi film
Organized by Shreveport resident Drew Barry, the event celebrates the Wookiee, the fictional aliens in the Star Wars universe known for their fur and size.
Participants are encouraged to create their own costumes, themed of course, for the early Mardi Gras celebration.
Organizers say after three years of rocking and downsizing the event, they were ready to make it big for 2023.
“We worked without Councilman Freddie King and we prepared all year,” said Simonette Berry, Overlord of Chewbacchus, WWL in New Orleans.
According to the group’s website, the Chewbacchus krewe is a ‘carnival parade organization for the most boisterous Star Wars freaks, Trekkies, Whovians, mega-geeks, circuit-benders, cryptozooligists, UFO conspiracy theorists, mad scientists, and all other member nerds.’
“We figured out how to hire extra security, and when it came time to fill out our permits, we were ready to go,” Berry said.
Last year the route was cut in half to just 1 mile, but now it’s up to 2 miles.
Last year the route was cut in half to just 1 mile, but now it’s up to 2 miles
This was an item thrown by Krewe members during Saturday night’s “Star Wars” parade
According to the group’s website, the Chewbacchus Krewe is a Mardi Gras parade organization for the most boisterous of Star Wars freaks, Trekkies, Whovians, mega-geeks, circuit-benders, cryptozooligists, UFO conspiracy theorists, mad scientists, and everyone else Members nerds
A woman dressed as the sparkling Princess Leia
Leias Galore! The event brought out huge fans of the galactic princess
The Mandalorian also performed during the parade
Some of those in attendance took the opportunity to show off their makeup and costume skills
Collectors flocked to the streets of New Orleans to celebrate Star Wars and other fan bases
This “Star Trek” item was thrown during Saturday night’s parade
Those present said they were glad they were prepared.
“Oh, it’s great that last year was too short. Yes, it was very short. We’re glad it’s back,” Krewe member Sarah Post told Fox 8 Live.
A krewe is a social group that hosts a parade during Mardi Gras season, most commonly associated with New Orleans’ Mardi Gras.
Carnival takes place on February 21st this year.
Some ‘Avatar’ lovers showed up in head-to-toe blue
A Krewe member showed up in an incredibly detailed and intricate rendering
This pin references a business on Tatooine, a planet in Star Wars.
It’s a crossroads! James Cameron’s Avatar meets George Lucas’ Star Wars
Fandoms Unite: The event brought together fans of all different sci-fi TV shows and movies
According to the local outlet, Chewbacchus is one of the easier Krus to partake in.
“We’re Tulane students and we’ve done some Mardi Gras” and we’re excited to be part of the community. It is great. We were so lucky with the weather; the sunset was beautiful. It was a great day,” said Jack Clarke, who signed up weeks ago.
This year’s parade slogan was “Let the Wookie Win”.
The group continued the party for hours as the ‘Chewbacchanal’ moved to local bars and restaurants for the early celebrations of Mardi Gras.
They came in peace! Some simply leaned into the sci-fi theme
This year’s parade route was two miles long and passed through the French Quarter and Marigny
These are some of the items thrown by Kru members during the parade