Join the Krewe de Tigris for a family-fun day at their eighth annual Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday, March 1 at 2 p.m. in Downtown Auburn’s makeshift Entertainment District. In addition to the parade, the Auburn Downtown Merchants Association will be hosting Krewe Krawl beginning at noon.
Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday,” is based on a French-Catholic tradition, representing the consumption and indulgence of rich foods in anticipation of the fasting period before Easter known as Lent.
Although many people identify New Orleans as the source of Mardi Gras, the celebration can first be traced to a festival in Mobile in 1703, 15 years before Louisiana.
Inspired by the “myth and magic” of Aubie the Auburn tiger that roams the Plains, Krewe de Tigris was established in 2016 as a recreational organization that seeks to foster fellowship within the community and celebrate the origins of Mardi Gras that lie in the state’s history.
Hunter Garris is the current vice president of Krewe de Tigris. After the 2017 Mardi Gras parade, Hunter was introduced to members of Krewe de Tigris while he was downtown. He and his wife, Logan Garris, joined shortly after. Hunter served as last year’s president, and this year he and his wife will be Krewe de Tigris’s King and Queen.
The term "Krewe" is commonly associated with Mardi Gras, but a Krewe is any club that celebrates the carnival season, especially throughout Louisiana.
Much of Krewe de Tigris's membership base is from locations around the Gulf Coast like Mobile and New Orleans, where Mardi Gras is much more popular, and participate in Krewes in their hometowns.
Krewe de Tigris was started for the recreation of its members. Recently the organization has established itself as a non-profit, searching for ways to give back to the community while continuing to spread the Mardi Gras spirit through events like its seasonal ball and parade.
Noting the negative preconceptions that can be associated with Mardi Gras like excessive alcohol intake and lewd behavior, Garris emphasized Krewe de Tigris’s efforts to keep the event welcoming for all Auburn residents, especially for families. To Garris, Auburn’s parade is a great introduction to Mardi Gras.
“In Auburn, we strive very, very hard to keep it family-friendly and work very close with the city to make that happen, especially throughout the parade,” Garris said. “We want kids to be able to come out to the parade and catch throws and have a good time.”
Starting on Thach Concourse, the one-mile parade route will run from Thach to Gay Street to Tichenor Avenue to South College Street.
On Friday afternoon, the city will block off parking spots along the parade routes as they are vacated. At around noon on Saturday, the city will tow any vehicles still parked from Thach to Tichenor.
This year Auburn will be increasing security measures due to concerns stemming from the attack that occurred during the New Orleans New Year celebrations.
The parade will feature 48 parade entries total, including walkers, nine Krewe floats, dance squads and Auburn University Greek organizations.
The ADMA is also encouraging Mardi Gras attendees that are 21 and older to purchase tickets to their 7th annual Krewe Krawl which runs from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, featuring twelve downtown bars and restaurants like Skybar and the Hound.
Those who purchase a ticket will receive a wristband and a souvenir purple cup to use while they sample each location's beverages. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Krewe Krawl wristband holders will also have access to exclusive food and retail specials.
“Mardi Gras day in downtown is second only to football games as far as their turnout and, you know, general attendance and revenue,” Garris said when referencing the feedback he receives from downtown merchants and vendors.
Before the parade, members of Krewe de Tigris will be downtown at Toomer’s Corner to meet the community and answer any questions about how to join Krewe de Tigris. Garris said new membership will open up around mid-March and close sometime this summer.
"Whether you're downtown watching the Kentucky game," Garris said. "As you come out to roll the trees after we win, come on out and stay out there as we make the loop for the parade and grab some goodies.”
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Jennifer Santiago is a freshman in exploratory studies from Enterprise, AL. Santiago has been with The Auburn Plainsman since Fall 2024.
