St. Patrick's Day Parade 2012 in New Orleans - Clip 1

The St. Patrick's Day parades are different than Mardi Gras parades in a few significant ways. First of all the floats are not as elaborate. Most of the floats are what we call "truck floats," flatbed trailers that are decorated by the riders themselves. Secondly, there are lots of "walking krewes," groups of folks who walk the parade route. They load themselves down with beads and artificial roses to hand out on the way (the roses are usually accompanied by a kiss on the cheek). And, finally, the "throws" are very unique. In addition to the traditional beads and baubles that are thrown at Mardi Gras, riders in the the St. Patrick's Day parades will also throw cabbages, lemons, garlic, carrots, potatoes... even bags of red beans! Two years in a row we have come home with boxes full of produce!

• Category

  People & Blogs