There was a disturbance in the Force when the leaders of the Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus realized their 2025 parade would fall on the night before the next Super Bowl, which will take place in the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Sunday, Feb. 9.
The Chewbacchus overlords, as they’re called, feared they’d be unable to rent a downtown meeting hall to stage their annual post-parade party.
Furthermore, they worried that the well-heeled crowd in the city for Super Bowl LIX weekend would exhaust the supply of hotel rooms, restaurant reservations, and other amenities, disrupting the plans of krewe members and out-of-town fans of the popular science-fiction-oriented walking parade.
Worst of all, the Chewbacchus leaders weren’t sure that the New Orleans Police Department would be able to staff both the citywide pre-football game festivities and the lengthy Chewbacchus route that rambles through the Faubourg Marigny and French Quarter.
The Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus rolls to the theme, 'Nothing to See Here,' in New Orleans, Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. (Photo by Scott Threlkeld, The Times-Picayune)
As a result of all that — praise the sacred drunken Wookiee — the krewe announced Friday that its parade had been transported from Feb. 8 to Feb. 1, avoiding most foreseeable conflicts.
“It’s great for us, because the logistics would have been a little bit of a nightmare,” said krewe spokeswoman Aryanna Gamble. “NOPD has a lot on their plate, so it makes it easier all around.”
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) aims a pass to Tyreek Hill (10) as San Francisco 49ers' DeForest Buckner (99) attempts to defend, during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 54 football game Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
An NOPD spokesperson confirmed the change of date has been approved.
Chewbacchus, which was named for both Han Solo's furry sidekick in the "Star Wars" movies and the Roman god of wine, first rolled in 2011.
The tongue-in-cheek procession, which celebrates all things extraterrestrial, typically includes 2,500 costumed marchers. Dues to join the 2025 parade are currently $42, though the price rises as Carnival nears.
The traditional Carnival season begins on Jan. 6, with Mardi Gras 2025 falling on March 4.
The Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus rolls to the theme, 'Nothing to See Here,' in New Orleans, Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. (Photo by Scott Threlkeld, The Times-Picayune)
The 2025 New Orleans Carnival season starts on Saturday, Jan. 6, and concludes on Mardi Gras, Tuesday, March 4.
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