Rolling tonight: Instead of earlier, Babylon, Muses will start later

The city has announced changes to tonight’s parade schedule. The rain in the forecast has forced the city to delay the three evening parades. Babylon, Chaos and Muses will now roll later than originally scheduled: Babylon at 7, followed by Chaos and Muses.

The National Weather Service reports that an unsettled flow pattern from the west will bring rain and some storms in the New Orleans area throughout the next few days. Showers and thunderstorms are expected for the remainder of this evening.

Tonight is Jeudi Gras, for many a highlight of the parade season, and it normally draws large crowds. The Knights of Babylon kick it off with an 80th anniversary celebration, followed by the satirical Knights of Chaos and closing with the superstar Krewe of Muses.

The city is continuing to monitor the weather. To receive updates on your cellphone, text MARDIGRAS to 888777. Descriptions and route maps of the parades are below. For updates, see the city’s parade tracker. For need-to-know parade day information, see here.  For parking and transportation information, see here.

Knights of Babylon

The Knights of Babylon, celebrating its 80th year of parading, adheres faithfully to Carnival traditions. The floats have the same basic designs and dimensions that they did at the krewe’s inception in 1939. The traditional flambeaux carriers continue to accompany the parade, and the king’s float, Sargon, is mule drawn. Other signature floats include the Carrollton streetcar, the Gates of Ishtar, the Babylonian Barge, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the Jesters Float.

Start: 7 p.m. at Napoleon Avenue and Magazine Street
Left on Napoleon Avenue, right on St. Charles Avenue into the CBD.
End: 555 Canal Street (see below for route map)

Knights of Chaos

The Knights of Chaos, founded in 2000, parades on what was once known as “Momus Thursday,” before that revered old-line krewe left the streets in 1992. Chaos carries on the tradition with a satirical parade using the Momus floats lighted by flambeaux. The knights are all Carnival veterans, and the king’s identity remains a secret. So does the theme; past themes include “Chaos in the Streets,” “Chaos Theory” and “Chaos Says N.O.”

Start: 8 p.m. at Napoleon Avenue and Magazine Street
Napoleon Avenue to St. Charles Avenue, proceed on St. Charles into the CBD.
End: Canal Street and Roosevelt Way (see below for route map)

Krewe of Muses

In Greek mythology, no festivity in Olympus was considered complete without the joy-inspiring presence of the nine Muses, whose names are also commemorated in Uptown streets. Since its founding in 2001, the Krewe of Muses has inspired joy with its clever floats and themes, its lineup of dance troupes and bands, and its sought-after throws — especially the artful hand-glittered shoes. The first all-female night parade has transformed local traditions, popularizing all-female krewes and signature throws. This year’s honorary Muse is actor Patricia Clarkson.

Start: 8 p.m. Jefferson Avenue and Magazine Street (follows Chaos)
The parade takes Magazine to Napoleon, turns onto St. Charles Avenue, then takes St. Charles into the CBD.
End: Tchoupitoulas and Poydras (see below for route map)

Route for Babylon

Route for Chaos

Route for Muses