When you think of New Orleans, likely the first thing you think of is Mardi Gras. If you’ve been to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, you know all about the festive atmosphere and the elaborate parades. From January 6th all the way through Fat Tuesday, New Orleans is seemingly partying non-stop. Fat Tuesday, which in 2008 is February 5th, is the official day of Mardi Gras and the final day of the celebrations. However, the parades, parties and events happen all month leading up to Fat Tuesday.
Parades are a huge part of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. The costumes, colors and music give Mardi Gras its unique characteristics. During the parades, Mardi Gras krewes are on display. Krewes are the clubs or companies that are responsible for putting on the shows and spectacles during the parades. When you see a group of costumed people coming down the parade route, each of those groups are krewes.
In the early days of Mardi Gras, krewes were a secret society. The membership of the krewes was private information and it was oftentimes difficult to join one of the krewes. However, krewes now have to register with the city and are no longer as secretive. A lot of modern day krewes are run like regular companies.
New Orleans is home to a large number of krewes. While there is a different story behind the origins of all the different krewes, they all have similar goals – to entertain while having fun.
Here is a list of some of the krewes in New Orleans:
Krewe of Bacchus
With the goal of re-energizing Mardi Gras, the Krewe of Bacchus was created in 1968 by Owen Edward Brennan, Sr. This krewe currently has more than 1,000 members and over 30 floats.
Endymion Krewe
The self proclaimed largest and most successful parade organization in New Orleans, the Endymion Krewe can attract stars to be their Grand Marshal. For example, in 2008 the Grand Marshal is Kevin Costner. This is one parade to be sure not to miss out on!
Krewe of Carrollton
Created in 1924, only three parading organizations have longer histories. The Krewe of Carrollton was originally created by business owners on Oak Street. This krewe is responsible for many of the innovations seen today in the Mardi Gras parades.
Krewe of Cleopatra
Created by women for women, this all women krewe now has over 500 members. Dating back to 1972, this was the first all-women krewe of its kind. The Queen’s Royal Barge is one of the most popular of all parade floats.
Krewe du Vieux
This krewe was formed after the Krewe de Clones collapsed. One of the most entertaining of all krewes, the Krewe de Vieux has its roots in the Contemporary Arts Center of New Orleans.
Krewe of Elks-Orleanians
Backed by the Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks, this krewe was the first krewe to use truck floats. Currently there are more than 4,500 riders and more than 100 floats. Their parade generally takes more than two and a half hours to complete.
Krewe of Grela
Dating back to 1947, this krewe gets its name by using by combining the words Gretna and Louisiana. With over 400 participants in the parade, this isn’t a large parade but it’s well orchestrated.
Krewe of Hermes
One of the oldest night parades, the Krewe of Hermes dates back to 1938. It was created by four businessmen in New Orleans with a mission of revitalizing the city. It’s also famous for being the first krewe to use neon lighting.
Krewe of Iris
Dating back to 1917, this is the largest krewe exclusively for women. It was named after the Goddess of Rainbow. If you are going to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, this is one of the parades you really must see.
Krewe of Lil Rascals
The Krewe of Lil Rascals has the motto “Today’s little rascals are tomorrow’s leaders and our hope for the future”. This is a krewe that aims to keep the youth involved in Mardi Gras.
Krewe of Mid-City
Named for the part of the city where the krewe originated from, the Krewe of Mid-City dates back to 1933. This parade is great for families, particularly children. Of all the krewes, this one uses perhaps the most imagination.
Krewe of Orpheus
Although it doesn’t have a vast history (formed in 1993), the Krewe of Orpheus has quickly become one of the largest krewes in all of New Orleans. It’s a music based krewe that opens that is famous for opening its doors to anyone who wants to join.
Krewe of Pegasus
Created by fifteen military vets, the Krewe of Pegasus has roots that go back to 1957. Named after a Greek mythology character, this krewe has kept true to its origins by always honoring the military.
Krewe of Phunny Phorty Phellows
You know its Mardi Gras season when you see the Krewe of Phunny Phorty Phellows. This krewe does the kickoff celebration for Mardis Gras and is known for being a fun and entertaining krewe.
Krewe of Proteus
The Krewe of Proteus runs a parade with a theme from Egyptian Mythology. This krewe dates all the way back to 1882 and is known as the second oldest of all the krewes. After a hiatus, this krewe once again became active in 2000.
Krewe of Twelfth Night Revelers
The Krewe of the Twelfth Night Revelers is unique in that its functions aren’t open to the public. Instead, you need to be invited. Although this krewe has roots that date all the way back to 1870, this is still a relatively secret organization.
Krewe of Tucks
The Krewe of Tucks owes its existence to the University of Loyola. A group of students from the school created this krewe and it is now known as being one of the most humorous of all the krewes.
Mistick Krewe of Comus
Dating all the way back to 1857, this krewe is obviously rich in history. It was founded by six New Orleans businessmen who wanted to celebrate Mardi Gras with class. This krewe is best known for its obscure references mythology and history.
Mystic Krewe of Barkus
The krewe is stars canines. With dogs in charge, this is a highly unique krewe and has quickly become a fan favorite. Created in 1992, currently thousands of dogs are involved in the parade.
When you are visiting New Orleans for Mardi Gras, you should check the parade schedules and locations to make sure you get to watch the krewes which interest you the most. After Hurricane Katrina, some of the krewes had trouble coming back together but almost all of them are back on their feet. The few that are not are almost all trying to eventually get back together.
All in all, Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a great place to party, have fun, meet new people and experience one of the great celebrations in the entire world. You simply can’t match the atmosphere that can be found during Mardi Gras and it’s perfect for everyone from families with children to college students looking for a vacation.
Head to New Orleans for Mardi Gras and find out which of the Mardi Gras krewes will become your favorite. With so many different krewes to pick from, you’ll have to visit Mardi Gras a couple of times before making your final decision. That’s always a nice excuse for a vacation!
