The beloved tradition of “house floats” is making a triumphant return this Mardi Gras season under the new leadership of Stronghold Studios, a locally owned and operated art and fabrication studio based in Mid City, New Orleans. Originally initiated in 2020 by the Krewe of House Floats (KoHF), the tradition has evolved and gained momentum each year, transforming neighborhoods into vibrant expressions of Mardi Gras spirit.
KoHF, the pioneering force behind the ‘house float’ movement, was organized in 2020 to bring Mardi Gras festivities to New Orleanians amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. While the original company is no longer in operation, Stronghold Studios is picking up the mantle and inviting submissions from residents across Louisiana to participate in this unique celebration.
Coco Darrow, founder of Stronghold Studios, emphasized the transformative nature of the ‘house float’ concept: “The ‘house float’ concept is simply an extension of what we already do, except born from tragedy and transformed into a joyful Mardi Gras tradition. It removed a creative barrier so that you not only saw floats – you created them! Or you got to work directly with the artists who made them. It has been a new way of experiencing Mardi Gras and adds to the overall Carnival experience.”
As New Orleanians refused to let the pandemic dampen their Mardi Gras spirit, the ‘house float’ tradition emerged as a creative and participatory alternative. Residents decorate their homes with materials ranging from papier-mâché to styrofoam to metal, all custom-made by local artists.
Stronghold Studios is now accepting submissions from ‘house float’ veterans and aspiring DIY creators, with the goal of representing a diverse array of entries on the Official 2024 House Float Map. From business storefronts to family duplexes, from grand mansions to tiny homes, Stronghold Studios aims to ensure that the Mardi Gras spirit is palpable throughout the entire city.
Darrow encourages participants to embrace the do-it-yourself spirit, stating, “You are only one YouTube tutorial away from a masterpiece!”
To submit your ‘house float,’ visit www.strongholdstudios.com.
