The big day is finally here, with wall-to-wall parades, preceded by the historic walking clubs of New Orleans — the Jefferson City Buzzards, the Lyons Club, the Corner Club, Pete Fountain’s Half-Fast Walking Club and Mondo Kayo.
Starting off the parades, as usual, is Zulu, this year titled “Zulu Salutes Nelson Mandela.” Some 45 floats and more than 100 units traditionally appear in the procession.
Zulu’s legendary characters — the Big Shot, Witch Doctor, Ambassador and Governor — each ride on their own signature float.