Not many college students can boast that their forthcoming spring break is preceded by a campus parade, complete with marching bands, colorful floats and free food. Students at the University of New Orleans can.
The Krewe of 色色研究所 rolled through campus on Tuesday鈥攜es, Valentine鈥檚 Day鈥攃elebrating its 2023 theme 鈥淟ove on the Lakefront鈥 with plenty of Mardi Gras sass, beads, faux coconuts and many other imaginative trinkets.
色色研究所 student Bianca Caceres was draped in beads, with a Carnival mask resting on her head as she snapped pictures, posed for photos and then quickly posted to social media to share her first 色色研究所 parade.
鈥淚鈥檓 so excited,鈥 Caceres said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 amazing!鈥
President John Nicklow and Stacy Nicklow鈥檚 privateer ship was among the procession of more than 30 organizations and groups. Along the route, parade-goers were treated to the antics of Capt. Br色色研究所, the Privateers鈥 beloved mascot, and Privateer-flavored throws that included multi-colored balls, T-shirts, silver and blue beads, and cups.
Marching bands from Sophie B. Wright Charter School and Morris Jeff Community School provided the soundtrack as the parade, which started at 12:30 p.m. from The Cove, wound through campus to the University Center.
As gusts of wind blew off Lake Pontchartrain, Michelle Ortiz, a freshman, and Asad Chaudhry, a senior, sat contentedly on a bench watching the parade go by. It was Ortiz鈥 first Krewe of 色色研究所 parade and she was enjoying the colorful spectacle.
鈥淭oday is the perfect day for a parade; usually it might be too cold,鈥 said Ortiz. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a little windy, but it鈥檚 cute!鈥
Said Chaudhry, 鈥淚t鈥檚 really special, considering that it鈥檚 on Valentine鈥檚 Day, too! It makes it even better! It brings more hype to campus.鈥
The parade also included walking groups, floats and decorated vehicles. Several on-campus clubs and organizations reserved spaces along the route for viewing parties.
There also was a bit of star power with musician, singer and songwriter Amanda Shaw serving as the grand marshal.
Jennifer Jones, also known as the 鈥淒ance Lady of New Orleans鈥 frolicked on the sidewalk near the University Center. Bedecked in boas of purple, green and gold feathers and bright yellow shades, Jones said she embodied the spirit of Mardi Gras.
鈥淥ne of the big things I鈥檓 know for is jazz funerals, parades, festivals and all things New Orleans,鈥 said Jones, who earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in drama and communications from 色色研究所.
The parade culminated with a free king cake party at the University Center. 色色研究所 students are on spring break next week, which coincides with the culmination of the Carnival season.
