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The force was strong with thousands of ‘Star Wars’ fans who gathered in New Orleans Saturday night to pay tribute to the iconic sci-fi film.
The large group turned out in New Orleans’ French Quarter and Marigny dressed head to toe in costumes ranging from Princess Leia to a pink Chewbacca.
Attendees celebrated the full-scale return of the 13th annual event after the parade was cut short in 2022 due to a police officer shortage.
The force was strong with thousands of ‘Star Wars’ fans who gathered in New Orleans Saturday night to pay tribute to the iconic sci-fi film
The event, organized by Drew Barry from Shreveport, celebrates the Wookiee, the fictional aliens in the Star Wars universe known for their fur and height.
Those who attend are encouraged to create their own costumes, on theme, of course for the early Mardi Gras celebration.
Organizers say after three years of the event being shuddered and downsized, they were prepared to go big for 2023.
‘We worked without City Councilman Freddie King, and we did prep all year long,’ Chewbacchus Overlord Simonette Berry told WWL in New Orleans.
According to the group’s website, the Krewe of Chewbacchus is a ‘Mardi Gras parade organization for the most revelrous of Star Wars freaks, Trekkies, Whovians, mega-geeks, circuit benders, cryptozooligists, UFO conspiracy theorists, mad scientists, and members all other nerdoms.’
‘We figured out how to hire additional security and, so, when it came time for filling our permits, we were ready to go,’ Berry said.
Last year, the route was cut in half to just 1 mile long, but now it’s up to 2 miles.
Last year, the route was cut in half to just 1 mile long, but now it’s up to 2 miles
This was an item thrown by Krewe members during the Saturday night ‘Star Wars’ parade
According to the group’s website , the Krewe of Chewbacchus is a ‘ Mardi Gras parade organization for the most revelrous of Star Wars freaks, Trekkies, Whovians, mega-geeks, circuit benders, cryptozooligists, UFO conspiracy theorists, mad scientists, and members all other nerdoms’
One woman dressed as a sparkly Princess Leia
Leias galore! The event brought out major fans of the galactic princess
The Mandalorian also made an appearance during the parade
Some in attendance used the opportunity to show off their makeup and costuming skills
The gatherers flocked to the New Orleans streets to celebrate ‘Star Wars’ and other fandoms
This ‘Star Trek’ item was thrown during the Saturday evening parade
Those in attendance say they were glad they were prepared, too.
‘Oh, it’s great it was too short last year. Yes, it was very short. We are glad it’s back,’ said Krewe member Sarah Post told Fox 8 Live.
A krewe is a social group that puts on a parade during the Carnival season, most often associated with Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
This year, Mardi Gras takes place on February 21.
Some ‘Avatar’ lovers showed up decked out from head to toe in blue
One Krewe member showed up in an incredibly detailed and intricate display
This pin references a business on Tatooine, a planet in ‘Star Wars’
It’s a crossover! James Cameron’s ‘Avatar’ meets George Lucas’ ‘Star Wars’
Fandoms unite: The event brought out fans of all different sci-fi TV shows and movies
According to local outlet, Chewbacchus is one of the easier krewes to participate in.
‘We are Tulane students and we’ve done a few Mardi Gras’ and we’re excited to be part of the community. It’s awesome. We got so lucky with the weather; the sunset was gorgeous. It’s been a great day,’ said Jack Clarke, who signed up weeks ago.
This year’s parade slogan was ‘Let the Wookie win.’
The group carried the party on for hours as the ‘Chewbacchanal’ took to local bars and restaurants for the early celebrations of Mardi Gras.
They came in peace! Some simply leaned into the science fiction theme
This year’s parade route was two miles long and went through the French Quarter and Marigny
These are some of the items that were thrown by krewe members during the parade
Source: DailyMail UK
