By 2005 the Zulu parades were premiere Mardi Gras events with lavish floats. Gone was the raggedy pants parody of the original parade; the king and queen of Zulu reigned in elegant tuxedo and gown.

Floats rolling through the parade streets ... The Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club doles out a coveted item each Mardi Gras: the Zulu Coconut. The fruits do not resemble their original appearance ...