The Mystic Krewe of Barkus took over New Orleans’ French Quarter this weekend for the 28th annual all-dog party.
On February 16th, at 2 p.m., the French Quarter came alive with the sound of joyous dogs… plus a few brass bands, the clinking of champagne toasts, and of leashes against collars.
The Mystic Krewe of Barkus is the annual Mardi Gras parade dedicated to man’s best friend. And, this year, more than 500 hundred dogs participated, with hundreds more on the sidelines of a 15-block loop through the city’s historic French Quarter.
The Krewe of Barkus was first established in 1992, when a group of neighbors gathered at a bar, had a few beers, and lamented that there wasn’t enough for their pups to do during Mardi Gras. They set out the next year to change that, hosting a small, neighborhood dog parade. They elected Jo Jo McWood as Queen Barkus the First. Scott Freeman’s dog Jager was selected as King Barkus the First, and costumes were required. The parade has grown since that first tiny bar meeting. A Royal Court and a theme are announced each year. The Mystic Krewe, which is a non-profit foundation, has raised more than $1 million for animal charities.
Celebrating its 28th year, the march down St. Ann Street commenced with a theme of Bark to the Future: Barkus Returns to the ’80s. Here are some of the best moments of Barkus 2020––from Chihuahuas riding in Dogloreans to a Mississippi Collie’s vertical frisbee skills.