Steady rain could not stop a bicentennial bash in Downtown New Orleans on Tuesday, as more than 20 floats rolled through the Central Business District on their way to the Caesars Superdome. Crowds clustered under umbrellas, storefront awnings and along the neutral ground, stretching for throws and snapping photos while the soggy, color-drenched parade pushed across downtown.
Parade Pressed On Through Rain
The lineup of more than 20 floats wound its way through the Central Business District before finishing at the Superdome, according to NOLA.com, which shared a photo gallery from the scene. The outlet noted that marchers and riders kept the procession moving in spite of the showers, with photographer Burt Steel capturing costumed riders and spectators sticking it out in the rain. His images trace the parade’s path through downtown, from neutral grounds and storefronts toward the dome.
Superdome Remains A Parade Terminus
The Caesars Superdome again served as the endpoint for a major city procession, continuing its long-running role as a finish line for big parades and special civic events. Large krewes have traditionally steered their routes toward the stadium area, turning the dome into a natural gathering point for major celebrations. Local station WDSU has recently highlighted how marquee parades often route toward the Superdome for post-parade events and performances.
Photographer's View
Several of the rain-slicked images in the gallery bear the credit of photographer Burt Steel, whose work is preserved in the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Archive and has been featured over the years by local media and radio outlets. The archive at WWOZ lists multiple galleries by Steel documenting Jazz Fest and Mardi Gras Indian culture, reflecting his long history of covering New Orleans events. His latest photographs from Tuesday’s parade spotlight bright floats, clusters of families and a sea of umbrellas along Canal Street and Jefferson Davis Parkway.
Where People Watched
The gallery shows spectators staking out spots around Canal Street and Jefferson Davis Parkway, with downtown balconies and storefronts turning into prime viewing stands, per NOLA.com. From there, the march continued toward the Superdome, where floats wrapped up the downtown leg of the celebration near the stadium’s perimeter. For those who chose ponchos over staying home, the day mixed civic pageantry with a thoroughly soaked slice of downtown New Orleans.
