Mardi Gras Organization Becomes First To Cancel Parade For 2021

A Mardi Gras season parading organization has become the first to cancel its parade for 2021 amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The Krewe of Oshun will not be holding what would have been its 25-year anniversary event, NOLA.com reports.

Captain Henry Smith told NOLA the uncertainty of coronavirus has caused "nervousness" among members, who didn't feel comfortable committing to an event scheduled to take place in less than five months. Smith understands the concerns as he was diagnosed with COVID-19 in April, along with several other Krewe members.

"My main concern was the members," Smith told NOLA.

The captain said he encouraged riders to withhold a decision until New Orleans entered Phase 3 of its reopening plan, which has yet to be announced, despite the state of Louisiana moving into Phase 3 earlier this month. Smith said he made the decision to cancel the parade as he couldn't plan the event months ahead of time with an undetermined amount of riders or court members and the circumstances brought on by COVID-19.

Smith said holding a "skimpy" parade in 2021 for the krewe's 25th anniversary would have been unacceptable and will instead postpone the milestone for 2022, NOLA reports. He confirmed that Mayor LaToya Cantrell's office has been made aware of the krewe's decision and agreed to reserve a spot in 2022.

The Krewe of Oshun, named in honor of the Yoruba goddess of love, was founded in 1996 and included 300 members and 18 floats during its 2020 parade, which was held just prior to the beginning of the pandemic. The event usually begins the New Orleans Mardi Gras parading season with a procession on Friday night through St. Charles Avenue.

The 2021 parade was scheduled to take place on February 5, according to NOLA.