Humor and whimsy are still very much a part of the Phunny Phorty tradition with some members favoring costumes inspired by current events and the peculiarities of local culture. Masked revelers gather at the streetcar barn in Uptown New Orleans for the Twelfth Night ride and get into the spirit of the event by carrying signs and banners with humorous slogans and messages. There are champagne toasts and second line dancing as the sounds of the famous Storyville Stompers New Orleans Brass Band fill the air; the Phellows, after cutting a ribbon and announcing, “It’s Carnival Time!” then board a decked-out party streetcar.
While on their merry way, the Phellows and other revelers sip champagne, eat King Cake, dance and let fly with the very first beads of the Mardi Gras season. There are two King Cakes used for this phirst night phrolic, one for the female members and one for the gents. Custom dictates that whoever takes the slices containing the plastic Carnival babies are declared Queen and Boss Phellow for the year. (More information...)
The Krewe du Vieux is a non-profit organization dedicated to the historical and traditional concept of a Mardi Gras parade as a venue for individual creative expression and satirical comment. It is unique among all Mardi Gras parades in the city because it alone carries on the old traditions of Carnival celebrations, using decorated, hand or mule-drawn floats with satirical themes, accompanied by costumed revelers dancing in the streets to the sounds of jazzy street musicians. We believe in exposing the world to the true nature of Mardi Gras - and in exposing ourselves to the world. (More information...)
The Krewe of Pontchartrain, New Orleans Mardi Gras organization, parades down some of New Orleans’ most famous streets. The parade starts at 2:00 p.m. on the first Saturday of the official New Orleans Mardi Gras season.
Each year the Krewe invites a celebrity to be the "Grand Marshal". Each Grand Marshal has their own specially designed cup just for the parade. Past Grand Marshals have included singer and musician Allan Toussaint, actor Red Buttons, baseball star (New Orleans’ own) Will Clark, TV Star Bart Simpson, singer Irma Thomas, Sports Commentator Jim Henderson, and last but not least, entertainer extraordinaire Becky Allen.(More information...)
Shangri-La began in 1973 as an all women's Krewe in St. Bernard. In the year 2000, with King Mario G. Bogran and Queen Patricia Bogran, this was the first brother and sister royal family of Shangri-La. That year the Krewe also moved to the uptown New Orleans route and has since become a club of very festive men and ladies.
Shangri-La is known for its family atmosphere and the parade's 31 years of family themes reflects this important feature of the Krewe. You find many families with several generations on the same float! (More information...)
Founded in 1951 Sparta is the first Mardi Gras Parade of the New Orleans Season to present Flambeau Carriers. This New Orleans parade is very innovatavive as well as traditional. The first several parades rolled as Mecca/Sparta, after which the parade, as well as the bal masque, took on the name of The Knights of Sparta.
The parade is led by the captain aboard a white stallion, and he is followed by his shadow, a young boy who also rides a white steed. Sparta annually christens the St. Charles Avenue parade route and is the first to present flambeau carriers. Sparta's membership is associated with the maritime industry. (More information...)
The Krewe of Pegasus was founded in 1957 by 15 military veterans, active
military personnel and friends; they composed the first Board of Directors of
the all male Krewe. Depicting its military beginning Pegasus was incorporated as “THE VICTORY CLUB, INC.”. With a vision of building through the Armed Services the Krewe built a foundation around patriotism, love of Country and God, and a desire to present the finest Carnival Krewe in Mardi Gras. (More information...)
The Krewe of Carrollton was founded by a group of local businessmen in 1924, parading on Mardi Gras Day in the neighborhood of Carrollton. In 1933, when rain forced the cancellation of most of parades, including Rex, Carrollton presented the only daytime parade of the season. Following a fire in its den in 1941, and World War II, during which there was no Mardi Gras celebration, the men of Carrollton reorganized. Carrollton is now the third oldest parading krewe. One of the city's most popular parades, Carrollton starts the traditional parade season on the second Sunday before Mardi Gras. (More information...)
Each year, the Krewe of King Arthur's 350+ members are best known for their afternoon parade on the first Sunday of Mardi Gras, commonly known as "family Sunday" in the Carnival schedule. The King Arthur parade strolls down beautiful St. Charles Avenue on the historic Uptown New Orleans route before turning onto Canal Street in front of tens of thousands of spectators of all ages. Dozens of marching units (floats, bands, etc.) make up the King Arthur procession. Prized throws include special beads for each King Arthur float.(More information...)
The only Mardi Gras krewe in New Orleans by and for the canine population is ready to sniff the streets of the French Quarter for the seventeenth year on Sunday, February 15, 2009. The Mystic Krewe of Barkus is a non-profit organization founded by Wood Enterprises.
The 2009 Parade will start at Armstrong Park promptly at 2pm and proceed on their traditional 15-block route through the Vieux Carré, stopping at the VIP Reviewing Stand at Good Friends Bar, corner Dauphine and St. Ann, where VIPs (and those who desire to be VIPs) will toast the Royal Court. (More information...)
The Krewe of Babylon, is the Carnival's most interesting Krewe when it comes to this schedule. In some future years this Krewe will probably become one of the future Super Krewes because of it's very make up. It consists of prominent business men and women from around the country.
Founded in 1939 the group has consistently turned in some of the best parades for sixty three years. At last count the group had 250 members or Knights and was still growing.
True to Carnival and Masonic tradition, from which a fair number of these gentlemen come, they are very secretive in nature. Since it means a great deal to the Knights the identity if their king is never released to the general public. The exact title of Babylon's elaborate parade and ball theme are also undisclosed until the day of the event. Customarily, each float depicts a chapter in a continuing story, usually historical, classical or literary in theme. (More information...)
Muses is an all-female Krewe which has put on award-winning displays since beginning in 2000. Throws are of a definite feminine nature and include mirrors, shoes, combs, purses and other fun “girlie” goodies. (More information...)
Founded in the summer months of 2000. This Krewe is made up of many other parading organizations. The identity of the King is kept secret. Throws include Chaos Coins (aluminum doubloons), theme cups, krewe-emblemed medallion beads (plastic) Official colors: blue and silver. (More information...).
In the early days, float creation emphasized craftsmanship, detail and story, and Hermes is known for upholding these ideals. The float parade is the culmination of a season of events which intensify on the final week. The night before the parade is the Hermes Grand Ball, where the King and His Court are presented in an elaborate ceremony, followed by a boisterous Supper Dance. And while the King is the center attraction, his identity is kept secret in keeping with tradition.(More information...)
The theme for the parade is, as always, a closely guarded secret. The Dictator, however, assures his denizens that no rank or office is immune from his wit. All who preen in public are fair game for this irreverent band of hellions whose battle cry connotes the essence of the organization and, indeed, of Mardi Gras itself:
VIVITE UT VEHATIS. VEHITE UT VIVATIS.
Le Krewe D'etat will have a "Dictator" rather than a traditional monarch. The
Dictator's identity will never be revealed to the public. This year's Le Krewe D'etat floats will, as always, depict a satirical theme. (More information...)
Possibly no other krewe in Mardi Gras has grown like The Krewe of Morpheus since it was established in 2000 and after it was re-organized in the summer of 2003
There is a certain dedication and caring among Krewe of Morpheus members that makes Morpheus more than just a ride; rather they have become an organization that enjoys getting together several times per year. With a membership approaching 500, they invite you to join them, make friends for life that parade together down the traditional St. Charles Avenue and Canal Street route. (More information...)
Founded in 1917 and named for the Goddess of the Rainbow and Messenger to the Gods. The Krewe of Iris tableau ball was the first such event to ever be televised.
The Krewe prides itself on strictly following the traditional customs of full-length Carnival masks and white gloves.
The Captain of the Krewe of Iris throws her own special 10-guage doubloons...unique items of chartreuse and lavender with freshly-minted 10-guage blue and silver aluminum. (More information...)
Founded in 1969, the Krewe of Tucks is an irreverent band which began as a rag-tag group of Loyola University students. The name is taken from "Friar Tuck," a defunct uptown pub where the students decided to create their own Carnival Krewe. From a small nighttime parade of pick-up trucks, the Krewe of Tucks has since grown in size and stature to become a procession of major proportions.
Tucks, however, has never lost its sense of humor, maintains an "Animal House" reputation and boasts a "no sponsorship requirement" to become a member.
The Krewe Of Tucks parade ends near the Marriott Hotel, site of the Tucks Extravaganza which is open to the public by paid admission. The Ducks Of Dixieland March in the Krewe Of Tucks as a Marching group Parade each year . (More information...)
With the largest floats ever assembled, and parade themes with which everyone identified, Endymion quickly became the people's parade. The krewe also changed the look of Carnival, making an instant impact with its magnificent court costumes and enormous headdresses. The concept of showcasing the krewe's royalty and court within a parade was novel. People actually came to see Endymion's "pre-parade" of mini-floats, just to catch a glimpse of the visual spectacle. (More information...)
The Greek God of Rivers, Okeanos, son of Ouranos and Gaia, was the begetter of the rivers of the earth. In 1950 the vigorous Okeanos directed the course of his youthful company of crewman through tranquil currents of peaceful waters and plunged them into the initial spectacle as apprentices of Carnival maasquerades.
When the masked dancers retired to the watery habitats, their leader commanded them to return to present a day light procession, through a down-town route in honor of the Father of Waters.
The Krewe of Thoth was organized in 1947 in the uptown neighborhood. It presented its first ball and five-float parade with 50 members the next year. Because it designs its parade route to pass in front of 14 institutions that care for persons with disabilities and illnesses, the men of Thoth have become known as the "Krewe of the Shut Ins".
Krewe Of Thoths Signature floats: Thoth Tomb (new), Egyptian Jesters (new), Wake up New Orleans, Here we Come (new), Thoth Magazine Line, High Priest of Thoth, The Royal Barge, His Majesty’s Entourage. (More information...)
Several innovative “firsts” were introduced to the Mardi Gras tradition by Mid-City and the Krewe was the first to use animation in float designs (1947) and decorate their entire floats in Foil.
The Krewe of Mid-City was founded by Charles A. Bourgeois and the Mid-City Civic Association in the early 1930’s. Mr. Bourgeois created the Krewe’s motto, “Pour La Joie de Vivre” (“For the Joy of Living”) and designed the familiar interlocking heart emblem -- both are still in use today. Mr. Bourgeois and his wife, Gertrude, were the first monarchs of Mid-City reigning over the Krewe’s inaugural parade; comprised of six small, mule-drawn floats, a few bands and mounted riders, the parade was themed “Romance of 1934.” (More information...)
The Krewe of Bacchus parade was founded in 1968 by a handful of New Orleans business leaders whose dream was to revitalize Carnival.
On Sunday, February 16, 1969, the Krewe of Bacchus staged its first Mardi Gras parade. The theme was "The Best Things In Life", and the procession was led by celebrity king Danny Kaye. The 250 member, 15 float entourage took to the streets of New Orleans showering thousands of spectators with over a million strings of beads and 300,000 doubloons. The new parade was a smashing success.
The Krewe of Bacchus had left a lasting mark on the City of New Orleans and had proven to be the boost that the Carnival season so desperately needed.
Now, with more than 1,000 members and 31 animated super-floats, the Krewe of Bacchus is revered as one of the most spectacular Krewes in Carnival history. (More information...)
Proteus is the Second oldest Parade at New Orleans Mardi Gras. Founded in 1882, Proteus, The shepherd of the Oceans, is an early sea-god, one of several deities whom Homer the Old Man of the Sea has always held elaborate masked Tableau Balls and the most beautiful Street Parade to date. (More information...)
The Krewe of Orpheus has mesmerized the crowds who jam the streets of New Orleans awaiting its arrival. From its founding in 1993, Orpheus has consistently stunned the revelers on Lundi Gras, the night before Mardi Gras, and has exploded as the largest new Krewe in the past 30 years. Since that first ride, Orpheus has been one of the most eagerly anticipated Mardi Gras parades of the season. (More information...)
Early in 1909, a group of laborers who had organized a club named "The Tramps," went to the Pythian Theater to see a musical comedy performed by the Smart Set. The comedy included a skit entitled, "There Never Was and Never Will Be a King Like Me," about the Zulu Tribe...
While the "Group" marched in Mardi Gras as early as 1901, their first appearance as Zulus came in 1909, with William Story as King.
The group wore raggedy pants, and had a Jubilee-singing quartet in front of and behind King Story. His costume of "lard can" crown and "banana stalk" scepter has been well documented. The Kings following William Story, (William Crawford - 1910, Peter Williams - 1912, and Henry Harris - 1914), were similarly attired.
1915 heralded the first use of floats, constructed on a spring wagon, using dry good boxes. The float was decorated with palmetto leaves and moss and carried four Dukes along with the King. That humble beginning gave rise to the lavish floats we see in the Zulu parade today. (More information...)
Rex (founded 1872) is a New Orleans Carnival Krewe which stages the city's largest parade on Mardi Gras Day. Rex is Latin for "King", and Rex reigns as "The King of Carnival".
Rex was organized by New Orleans business men in part to put on a spectacle in honor of the New Orleans visit of Grand Duke Alexis of Russia during the 1872 Carnival season. Also in the minds of the founders of Rex was the desire to lure tourism and business to New Orleans in the years after the American Civil War.
The Rex parade is put on by an organization called The School of Design. The organization is related to the private New Orleans men's club The Boston Club. (More information...)
On May 17, 2004 a group of one time members from the Krewe of Gladiators and several long time carnival parade riders came together and formed the Knights of Nemesis Social Club and Parade.
The Knights of Nemesis mission is to become "A businessman's social club with the intent to promote
business and fellowship within St. Bernard Parish."
To achieve this goal monthly socials will be held on the second Monday of the month rotating the location to different business establishments throughout the parish. (More information...)
Bards Of Bohemia are parading in Galveston, TX and New Orleans, LA this is the 1st Mardi Gras parade krewe to be in two cities during the the same Mardi Gras season.
Bards of Bohemia is an organization that has existed for more than 70 years on the Carnival scene in New Orleans, LA.
1984 Bards Of Bohemia hosted a mini parade throught the French Quarter. And in 1989 their first full parade. In 2005 Bards of Bohemia planned to stop parading, but a new captain steped forward to wrest control and the club did parade.
Roman scholars thought this mythological figure so important that they named a planet and a day (Saturday), for him. Saturn was the god of agriculture, time and celebration. In his honor the ancients even called their festival of merrymaking the Saturnalia, an ancestor of Mardi Gras. The krewe was founded in 1983 and presented its first two processions in the City of Kenner, then moved its parade route to Metairie in 1986. The next year Saturn returned to Kenner, then moved to Orleans Parish in 1993. Since its formation, the organization has been very active in fund-raising for charitable causes.
