I’ve never made it to the tiniest parade of Mardi Gras before.

‘tit Rex was founded in 2009, and it is always hosted on the Sunday afternoon, after Krewe du Vieux rolls on Saturday night. I’m often on the sofa, burger in one paw, water in another, lamenting poor decisions of the night prior. (Yeah, that’s my fancy, Faulkner-length, way of saying hungover).

This year, I had a leisurely, low-key Saturday. On Sunday, I trotted down St. Claude Avenue, to capture the smallest parade of the calendar year.

‘tit Rex was created by a group of artists, teachers and good-time havers, who wanted a break in all the build-up and extravagance of Mardi Gras.

They wanted something calmer. Something that made one stop, look, smile and feel whimsy. They made tiny floats and pulled them along by strings. They hired a few brass bands. Turns out, everyone loved the idea.

The vibe of the ‘tit Rex parade is vaudevillian. It’s a celebration of neighborhood, of leisurely, fun days in New Orleans, catchin’ up on the neutral ground, via beers and quirky conversations.

The bands play jazzy, polka-styled tunes, as the leader cries out, “Is that all there is?!”

The krewe members proceed down the sidewalk, wearing tuxedos with sashes. They gingerly drag the petite floats over sticks and stones. You have to peer down to see the glittery puns, like Shrimp Tease; to bear witness to the field mice having tea or the mini politician being roasted. Everyone cheers and claps, as if the floats were monstrous and the meaning vast.

It’s dumb and delightful; artistic and apropos. It’s a real break from the loud lunacy of the rest of this month. I love it.

Next year, I will be peeling my body off the sofa, no matter what state I’m in.

Here are a few outtakes of this sweet, soul-affirming good time.

Favorite Moment : Seeing the ladies of the Bra’s Brass Band! Check them out here, and if you’re around on March 1st, check them out at the 30/90 Club on Frenchman.