La captura del día
El arte del lanzamiento
Throwing trinkets to the crowd dates to the early 1870s, when the Twelfth Night Revelers first tossed favors from their floats. Today every krewe has its own throws, and they are always free - a few signature catches are the stuff of legend.
Qué se lanza
Collares
The classic throw. Once Czech glass, now plastic, often color-coded to the krewe. Catch a few and you have caught Carnival.
Doblones
Stamped aluminum coins bearing each krewe's emblem and parade theme. The modern doubloon was introduced by Rex in 1960, designed by H. Alvin Sharpe.
Coco de Zulu
A hand-painted coconut from the Zulu club - the single most coveted throw of Carnival. By tradition (and law, since the 1988 "Coconut Bill") it is handed down from the float, not thrown.
Zapato de Muses
A hand-glittered high heel from the all-female Krewe of Muses - one of the hardest catches to land, and a trophy if you do.
Vasos
Branded plastic go-cups - genuinely useful, endlessly collected, and stacked in cupboards across the city.
Lanzamientos especiales
Moon pies, stuffed animals, light-up toys, mini footballs, and signature hand-decorated items vary by krewe.
Cómo atrapar (y la etiqueta)
- Haz contacto visual con un participante, saluda y grita: funciona mejor que gritar a ciegas.
- Los niños y quienes van a hombros tienen prioridad; nunca le arrebates un lanzamiento a un niño.
- Los lanzamientos son regalos, no compras: no pelees por ellos.
- Lleva una bolsa; atraparás más de lo que esperas.