While the King’s Day press
conference was the official beginning of the season for the city of New
Orleans, the Krewe of Cleopatra’s annual Family Float Day is a cherished
tradition that serves as the unofficial beginning of Mardi Gras season for many
of the krewe’s members. Each year, the excitement is palpable as the women of
Cleopatra gather with their families to get a sneak peek at the beautiful
floats crafted by Kern Studios. This year, guests eagerly gathered around “Cleopatra’s
Nile…The River of Life”, a four-unit signature float which was newly
created for last year’s parade.
While the new signature float was certainly the largest
fixture at the event, the main attraction was, of course, the specialty throws
available for purchase. Although we’re not allowed to spoil the fun of the
parade by previewing the throws, Mardi Gras World can confidently say that
onlookers at Cleopatra’s February 6th parade are in for a treat!
The family-friendly event underscored not only the shared
excitement for Carnival, but also the multi-generational nature of the krewe. This
unique blend of generations is part of what makes the krewe such a vibrant and
meaningful community to its members.
The Krewe of Cleopatra boasts over 3,200 riders in their
all-female parade. Their impressive size reflects both the krewe’s legacy and
its continued growth in the New Orleans parade community. Named for the beauty
and power of the Egyptian queen, these ladies have been parading for over 50
years. Be sure to see the parade for the chance to catch one of their signature
throws: a coveted hand-decorated cup!