Nothing compares to the excitement of Mardi Gras parades. From attending extravagant balls to catching prized throws, one parade has set a standard far above the rest: The Krewe of Endymion.

Founded in 1967 by Edmond Muniz, Endymion began as a small neighborhood parade with only about 100 riders. However, it quickly grew into one of the largest parades in New Orleans. By 1974, Endymion had been designated as one of three “Super Krewes”, with the other two Krewes being Bacchus and Orpheus.

The iconic parade rolls on the Saturday before Mardi Gras Day each year. It consists of over 3,200 riders on around 40 floats, including the famous nine-section Pontchartrain Beach float. An estimated 40,000 revelers crowd the Mid-City route each year, expecting nothing less than an unforgettable experience.

Giving parade-goers that rare experience does not come easy. The Krewe motto is “Throw Until It Hurts,” meaning riders go to great lengths to make the bead-catching experience a memorable one for revelers. Mike LaCoste is one rider who has been creating these types of experiences for the past six years.

LaCoste spends about two weeks after each Mardi Gras collecting beads and throws for next year; however, the real prep began about a month before Endymion rolled, when throws had to be counted and prepared for the float, making it a lengthy process. Riding in Endymion is no easy feat either, as the volume from crowds and floats can be difficult to handle.

“The first year I rode it was very overwhelming because all you hear for 4 to 5 hours straight is screaming,” LaCoste joked. “After the second year, I got used to it and was able to embrace it and have a lot more fun.”

For many New Orleanians, Endymion is not just a parade – it’s a nonnegotiable tradition. Many people begin camping for the parade several days beforehand to claim the best spots along the route. By the time the floats roll, crowds are packed 25 to 35 people deep.

Alli Lantier, an LSU alumna who grew up attending the parade each year, believes that Endymion is the best parade in all of Mardi Gras.

“Somehow it feels like the highlight of your day with every bead you catch,” Lantier said.

She feels that the anticipation leading up to Endymion is just as important as the parade itself. Spending the day with family and friends on the streets of New Orleans is just one part of what makes Endymion special.

“It’s not about the parade only, it’s about the experience,” Lantier said. “It’s true Mardi Gras. It’s the culture of it all.”

Longtime rider Rick Regan, who is celebrating his 27th year riding in Endymion, shares this opinion with Lantier.

“I often tell people it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Regan said. “You are a masked rock star. It’s loud, fun, ever-changing, scenic.”

Regan said that one of his favorite parts of riding in the famous parade was interacting with the crowd along the route, from small children to out of towners. His favorite crowds are along Orleans and Carrollton Ave. at the start of Endymion’s route.

“Endymion is second to none,” Regan said. “The riders care and love the crowds who come out to support us and riding into the Superdome to a huge party with lights, bands and over 18,000 people is truly incredible.”

The crowds are an essential part of what makes Endymion special, according to Briggs Cooper, a former member of St. Paul’s Marching Wolves.

“All of the parades we marched in had lots of energetic and joyful people everywhere, but every year I felt like Endymion was the strongest in terms of excitement and joy,” Cooper said.

The Wolves are longtime participants in Endymion, meaning that Cooper marched for all 5 years he attended St. Paul’s. Cooper’s favorite part each year was bringing a small piece of joy to each parade-goer, despite the difficulty that comes with playing bass drum for over 5 hours.

“The reactions from the crowd and the adrenaline rush that those reactions bring makes it all worthwhile,” Cooper said. “There are so many great memories that will stick with me.”

One thing is for certain: the parade hailed as “Mardi Gras’ Main Event” will not disappoint. Endymion rolls on March 1 at 4 p.m. Find out more information on the parade route and theme here.