Parade routines
The show went on despite persistent rain last Saturday, the kickoff night for 2016 Mardi Gras. But the weather conditions did force some changes in the way the parade was presented. For one thing: No stilts. And another still: No feathery costumes.
Feathers play a part with a new float dedicated to Rio de Janeiro Carnival. It’s a bird thing with performers dressed as peacocks, flamingos and such. That’s one of four new floats that have been incorporated by Universal to reflect world cultures. Additional units are themed to Venetian carnival, Oktoberfest (lederhosen alert) and the Fourth of July. Think of it as a celebration of celebrations. Previous floats representing Day of the Dead and Chinese New Year are featured and bookended by some Universal float favorites, including the showboat, which is the first unit up this year, and King Gator, which brings up the rear.
The floats again are engineered by Blaine Kern Artists of New Orleans.
“They pitched us some new floats, and we picked the ones that fit our parade the best,” said Jason Horne, show director of the event.
The floats are flanked by dancers and folks on stilts dressed to match the theme. Folks can interact with these performers, who populate several of the park’s streets from midafternoon until about 5:30 p.m. It’s a fun photo op.
The parade starts at 7:45 p.m., beginning at the end of Hollywood Boulevard, moving to the front of the park, passing the Music Plaza stage, turning into the New York area before winding its way back to the waterfront, Mel’s Drive-In and out the way it came in.
Thrill seekers can stand at the intersection near the front of the park and watch the units make that sharp, sharp right turn. (Watch your toes, gang.)