Venice MardiGras Party

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On Saturday, Feb 23, families, friends and Venice Beach residents dawned glitter, masks and the occasional set of wings to take part in the 17th annual Venice Beach Mardi Gras parade in Los Angeles, California. The Venice boardwalk, though accustomed to its steady flow of unusual occurrences and festivities, seemed overwhelmed by the massive parade, themed “Mystical Magical Tour.” As the jazz band rumbled in the distance, parade goers wielding Hula Hoops and rollerblades streamed past the usual boardwalk traffic and vendors, disrupting the flow in a fantastical and joyous manner. Onlookers caught beads, vendors joined the party and some residents even came prepared, tossing confetti from their balconies overlooking the boardwalk.

Jon McBride (left) and Antonio G-R (right) greet each other at the end of the 17th annual Venice Beach Mardi Gras parade on Feb 23, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Jon and Antonio have been attending since the 2nd Parade. Photo by Danica Creahan.

Nathan Pino plays his piano on the Venice Beach boardwalk as the Venice Beach Mardi Gras parade floods past him on Feb 23, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Nathan plays his Piano on the boardwalk every day, and the influx of people and instruments to play along to seemed to brighten his day. “It’s a nice birthday present,” Says Nathan. Photo by Danica Creahan.

The Venice Beach Mardi Gras parade picking up steam on the boardwalk of Venice Beach in Los Angeles, California on Feb 23, 2019. Photo by Danica Creahan.

Yogi and his owner, Timothy Hansen, pose for a photo from a passerby as they wait for the 17th annual Venice Beach Mardi Gras parade to begin on Feb 23, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Danica Creahan.

Friends gather at the pre-parade party prior to the start of the 17th annual Venice beach Mardi Gras, in Los Angeles, California, on Feb 23, 2019. (From left to right) Gretchen Neville, Kelly Breaux, and Damian Boudreaux are all from Louisiana. Photo by Danica Creahan.

Mark Snyder watching the crowd rush around him at the end of the Venice Beach Mardi Gras parade on Feb 23, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Danica Creahan.

Children reach for one another as they rest on shoulders amongst the chaos of the 17th annual Venice Beach Mardi Gras parade on Feb 23, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Danica Creahan.

The 17th annual Venice Beach Mardi Gras parade on the boardwalk of Venice Beach in Los Angeles, California on Feb 23, 2019. Photo by Danica Creahan.

Gretchen Neville and Damian Boudreaux greeting one another at the pre-parade gathering of the 17th annual Venice Beach Mardi Gras parade, in Los Angeles, California. Feb 23, 2019. Photo by Danica Creahan.

Final group photos taken at the end point of the 17th annual Venice Beach Mardi Gras parade in Los Angeles, California, on Feb 23, 2019. Photo by Danica Creahan.