03 JAN 2017: Their hair wrapped in side buns, wielding lightsabers and dressed as everything from Wookiees to stormtroopers, thousands of people turned out to honour Carrie Fisher, the actress famous for her iconic role as Princess Leia in the “Star Wars” movies. In New Orleans, where death is marked by both mourning and merriment, the Mardi Gras group called the Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus organized a parade Friday in honour of the woman they consider royalty.
Fisher, whose tough-talking princess defied Empire generals while tossing off one-liners like “into the garbage chute, flyboy,” died Tuesday.
The New Orleans parade was led by the Leijorettes, a dancing group made up of fans who dress like Princess Leia. They were followed by a brass band playing the “Star Wars” theme as hundreds of people – many in costume or carrying light sabers – walked behind them. Fans lined the road, taking photos.
Chewbacchus is dedicated to all things sci-fi and fantasy related and has always drawn inspiration from the “Star Wars” movies. The group’s logo features the head of Chewbacca, the furry Wookiee who was Han Solo’s close friend and co-pilot.
Fisher had been hospitalized since Dec. 23 after falling ill aboard a flight and being treated by paramedics at the Los Angeles airport. One day after Fisher’s death, her actress mother, 84-year-old Debbie Reynolds, died as well.
The actresses will be interred at Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles, the final resting place of numerous celebrities, including Lucille Ball, Liberace, Florence Henderson, David Carradine and Bette Davis.
A public memorial is being contemplated, but no plans have been finalized.