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If you and your best little buddy are going to be in New Orleans during Mardi Gras, be sure to find the Barkus Krewe.

New Orleans, Land of Dreams

• If you've just arrived in the French Quarter and you don't know where to start, go to Coop's Place, order an Abita draft, a duck quesadilla, and a Taste Plate. This small locals' bar is one of many hidden treasures in New Orleans.

• Like Paris, the French Quarter of New Orleans is a wonderful place to explore on foot. Park your car and spend a day (or two or three) just walking down the narrow streets. We encountered a Voodoo Museum, several wonderful "general" stores, and mysterious little antique shops.

• Café du Monde is world famous for their beignets and chickory coffee. But don't let their fame stop you from eating there.

Joining the Barkus Krewe

• Membership in the Mystic Krewe of Barkus is $30 which includes participation in the parade.

• The Barkus Parade takes place in the French quarter two Sundays before Mardi Gras day.

• Dogs are the members of Barkus. Their humans are "escorts."

• The King and Queen of the Mystic Krewe of Barkus are both dogs.

• The King of Barkus "works" his way up through the organization, eventually being elected King.

• The Queen of Barkus is also elected but must be a rescued dog.

• All proceeds from Barkus benefit animal welfare organizations in Louisiana.

Be a Carnival Pro

• Carnival, which culminates on Mardi Gras Day, is the period between the last day of Christmas and the first day of Lent.

• If you want to avoid the really big crowds on Mardi Gras Day, check out New Orleans two weekends before. Big parades happen all weekend long with smaller crowds. More beads for you!

• A Mardi Gras "courir" is common in rural Louisiana. The local men, all decked out in their Mardi Gras costumes and masks, ride from farm to farm on horseback begging for various foods — chicken, homemade sausage, etc. At the end of the ride, the men throw the ingredients into a huge gumbo to be eaten that night at a big party where everyone is welcome.

• "King Cake" is the traditional confection at Carnival parties. A small likeness of a baby (in plastic usually) is baked into a white cake with purple, green and gold icing. As guests eat the cake, whoever gets the piece with the baby becomes the "King." His prize? He has to buy the next cake.

• The traditional colors of Carnival are purple, green and gold.

Contact Information

Mystic Krewe of Barkus
1000 Bourbon Street
Suite 317
New Orleans, LA 70116
504-581-BARK
info@barkus.org
www.barkus.org

Coop's Place
1105 Decatur Street
New Orleans, LA 70116

Café du Monde
800 Decatur Street
New Orleans, LA 70116
800-772-2927
www.cafedumonde.com