This year’s event moves to Mardi Gras World’s new site, adding the magnificent views of our riverfront as another festival attraction. The Columbus Day (Día de la Raza) parade commences at Elysian Fields at 5:30 p.m. and moves through the French Quarter to the Festival Site. The “Desfile” will feature beauty queens representing the various Hispanic countries, music and dancers from throughout Latin America, and FLOATS representing local and regional hispanic organizations.