NEW ORLEANS (press launch) – The Royal Sonesta New Orleans will host its annual signature occasion the Greasing of the Poles at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 17, with the 2023 theme “Grease Like a Royal”. 

Famend actor, creator and tastemaker Bryan Batt will function grasp of ceremonies as Greasing contestants compete for the coveted title of 2023 Greasing Champion. This 12 months’s lineup contains New Orleans native and The Climate Channel meteorologist identified for issuing “Gumbo Warnings” Scot Pilie; social media personalities and worldwide journey guides The Traveler Broads, aka Kerry Maloney and Jessica Fender; award-winning performer referred to as the Honey Badger of Burlesque Jeez Loueez; and WGNO-TV Good Morning New Orleans meteorologist Brooke Laizer.

Serving as judges for this 12 months’s festivities shall be WGNO-TV on-air character and 2019 Greasing of the Poles champion Kenny Lopez; WVUE-TV Fox 8 Morning Addition anchor Kelsey Davis; Coburn Provide Firm Government Vice President Michael Maloney; and Moët Hennessy USA Senior Market Supervisor Shirin Braden.

This 12 months’s festivities may even embody Carnival royalty from the Mardi Gras Indians, Krewe of Zulu, Krewe of Bacchus, and the Krewe of NOMTOC plus different particular parts, together with performances of Mardi Gras classics by Leroy Jones and the Unique Hurricane Brass Band and appearances by the famed Merry Antoinettes in addition to 2022 Greasing of the Poles Champion Greg Kata, aka @Gregisms.

To rejoice the return of this beloved occasion, the lodge’s world-renowned balconies shall be adorned with a customized set up by Badass Balloon Co. and returning to toast to this 12 months’s festivities is the enduring world champagne home of Moët & Chandon.

WHEN:  The 53rd annual Greasing of the Poles shall be held on Friday, Feb. 17, at 10 a.m.

WHERE:  The Royal Sonesta New Orleans situated at 300 Bourbon Avenue and by way of Fb live-stream @RoyalSonestaNO.

WHY:  That is an ‘solely in New Orleans’ expertise to not be missed. 

The Greasing of the Poles is taken into account by many to be the French Quarter’s official kickoff to Mardi Gras weekend. The Royal Sonesta New Orleans originated the ritual of greasing the constructing’s help poles as a sensible means to discourage overzealous revelers from shimmying as much as the coveted balcony house. Over half a century later, the follow has advanced right into a star-studded and music-filled occasion, even spawning its personal Switzerland-based worldwide fan membership.





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