3 Events to Attend this Spring

After two consecutive years of Covid restrictions, event planners and party-goers alike have been hoping that the Spring of 2022 will offer an iota of relief. The rise of Omicron and the consequential infection of millions worldwide has forced major event organizers to reconsider Covid safety rules. Some major events have been canceled or postponed, including Carnival and the Sundance Film Festival. Despite this, many major annual Spring gatherings are pushing forward with the addition of modified health and safety plans. 

Photo by Sake Le from Pexels

Mardi Gras

New Orleans was hit especially hard by the surge of Omicron cases that began this past January. In the face of mounting case numbers, Mayor LaToya Cantrell was pressured to reinstate the city’s indoor mask mandate starting on February 1st. All individuals above the age of four will be required to show a vaccine card to access indoor dining and entertainment, as well as large outdoor events. With Mardi Gras beginning on March 1st of this year, city officials hope that such mandates will prevent the celebration from becoming a superspreader. 

The celebration is currently expected to bring millions of visitors into the city. Dozens of parades have already been planned for the days leading up to Mardi Gras, although there are minor adjustments to these events. Many parades have been scaled down to accommodate the New Orleans Police Department’s staffing limitations.

Despite the return of traditional parades, the “house floats” that were erected in place of closed festivities last year will be present again in 2022. This fun new tradition was originally implemented as a way for the city to embrace the Mardi Gras spirit in a socially-distanced manner. The elaborately decorated houses add an entirely new dimension to festivities while also providing the opportunity to support local artists who began making and selling decorations. 

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival

In the spring of 2022, one of the most iconic annual music and arts festivals in the world will be returning for the first time since 2019. Approximately 250,000 are expected to gather at Empire Polo Club in Indio, California on the 15th of April. Over the course of two consecutive weekends, festival-goers will watch an iconic musical lineup, including Billie Eilish, Harry Styles, Doja Cat, and Megan Thee Stallion. 

Despite rising case numbers and sold-out festival passes, festival organizers will not require revelers to show proof of vaccination in order to obtain entry. Coachella’s current entry policy only requires a negative Covid test to be taken within 72 hours of entering the festival grounds. Visitors are also allowed to show proof of vaccination if they prefer. 

Spring Break

Covid-19 has done little to minimize spring break activities over the past two years, however, the pandemic has changed the location for such booze-filled breaks. Two years of Covid-restrictions have caused traditionally popular spring break destinations with stricter mask policies to decline, while areas with fewer Covid-19 restrictions are flourishing.

Florida is one spring break destination that has retained its spring break reputation over the past two years. This is due to the state's lax policies regarding masks and vaccinations. The state’s lack of restrictions has caused issues in the past, as seen in the superspreader beach parties that occurred throughout the spring of 2020. 
Florida is projected to dominate the spring of 2022 as well, with strong bookings reported in areas where masks are no longer required. Many of Florida’s spring break hotspots have already begun plans for pub crawls, pool parties, and yacht events.

If you find yourself at any of these events or on spring break, make sure to tag us here @theedgemag in your photos!