LITTLE RASCALS
One of Carnival’s popular pre-season parades, Little Rascals is all about the kids. This krewe, founded in 1983, offers young people the chance to experience a Carnival parade, on board one of its floats, riding down the traditional Veterans Blvd. parade route. http://www.kreweoflittlerascals.org/
EXCALIBUR
Excalibur has comfortably settled into its slot on the first Friday of the Jefferson Parish parade calendar. The krewe takes its name from the magical sword drawn from the stone by King Arthur. Organized in 2000, Excalibur boasts 250 male and female members, and its floats and costumes often carry out the medieval theme. Also look for the elaborately designed costumes and collars of the captain and monarchs. This year, special beads will be designed for each float.
www.kreweofexcalibur.com
ATLAS
Founded in 1969, this parading organization is named for the famed Greek strongman. Though it has had membership and financial challenges in recent years, Atlas traditionally helps usher in the Carnival season in Metairie, on the first big night of parades.
EVE
One of St. Tammany’s largest parading organizations, the all-female krewe of Eve was founded in 1986. Now with more than 500 members, Eve puts on one of the most popular Mandeville parades on the first big Friday of the parade calendar. This year’s theme is “Are We There Yet?” www.kreweofeve.com
CLEOPATRA
One of the largest all-female krewes in Carnival, Cleopatra was founded in 1972 and named for the famed Queen of the Nile. This year, the krewe, a favorite of West Bank paradegoers, will depict the theme “Those Famous Words.” www.kreweofcleopatra.org
OSHUN
The official parade season in Orleans Parish kicks off with the krewe of Oshun. The krewe was founded in 1997, and is named after the Afro-Carribbean goddess of fountains, love, wealth and religion.
PYGMALION
After several years as a “first Friday” parade, kicking off the Orleans Parish parade calendar, Pygmalion moves to the Saturday night slot formerly held by Pegasus. This krewe, founded in 2000, has more than 200 members, male and female. The krewe is named after the ancient king of Cyprus in Greek mythology. www.kreweofpygmalion.org
CHOCTAW
Founded in Algiers in 1935, Choctaw celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. The krewe carries out its Native American theme by calling its king, “Chief,” and its queen, “Princess.” The krewe’s web site sums it all up by describing the parade’s purpose as promoting good fellowship, contributing to civic good, encouraging charity and keeping alive the great spirit of Mardi Gras. www.kreweofchoctaw.com
ADONIS
This westbank krewe was founded in 1999 and is named after the Greek hero known for his physical beauty. This year’s Grand Marshall will be the Tony-nominated actor and dancer David Bologna, a New Orleans native who has just completed his performances on Broadway in the play “Billy Elliot.” He was profiled in a Mike Hoss story on Eyewitness News last summer. The parade will also feature new floats for its Captain and royalty, as well as a new title float. www.adonis-tlc.com
PONTCHARTRAIN
Founded in 1975, Pontchartrain moved its parade from New Orleans East to Mid-City and finally Uptown, where it currently parades, kicking off the first big Saturday of parades along the St. Charles route. Look for the krewe’s signature floats like “Mr. Mudbug” and the “Super Grouper.” www.kofpont.com
GLADIATORS
A longtime St. Bernard favorite, Gladiators makes a return to the Carnival calendar this year, but on a new date, bringing a Mardi Gras parade back to the parish on Fat Tuesday. Originally formed in 1973, Gladiators takes its name from the legendary Roman warriors. The plan is for the krewe’s parade to end with a community party at Torres Park. www.kreweofgladiators.com
SPARTA
Some call this the "classiest" of all the parades on the first weekend of Carnival in Orleans Parish. Having first paraded in 1981 (after staging balls for many years), Sparta has some of the touches of the old-line krewes, including a mule-drawn king’s float, flambeaux, walking figures, and its "shadow Captain," a young boy who follows behind the Captain. This year, the parade competes with the primary election for Mayor, and possibly a Black and Gold Super Bowl the next day, but Sparta fans will say that’s no match for this beloved Uptown krewe. www.knightsofsparta.com
CAESAR
The 650+ members of Caesar, the largest krewe in Jefferson Parish, present one of the favorite parades in Metairie. Each year the parade carries out the Roman motif of its namesake, and the krewe is known for elaborate royal costumes. In addition to more than two dozen oversized floats (many with innovative lighting techniques), Caesar now features a special signature float, the Hydra.
www.kreweofcaesar.org
ALLA
For more than 75 years, Alla has brought family fun to Carnival on the west bank. This year, it faces a bit of a dilemma if the Saints end up in the Super Bowl, since the parade is on Super Bowl Sunday. Stay tuned for details on that.
The krewe, which takes its name from the abbreviation for the neighborhood in which it was founded (Algiers, Louisiana), was led for many years by captain Blaine “Mr. Mardi Gras” Kern, and is now under the leadership of captain John Beninate, whose family has been involved in the krewe for decades. Founded in 1932, the all-male krewe boasts more than 30 floats, including several familiar favorites: the Coon-Ass, Alla Gator, and the Elk Gator. A bit of trivia: the Golden Gryphon Society is the formal name of the group behind Alla. www.kreweofalla.com
CARROLLTON
This krewe, over 80 years old, is named for the neighborhood in which it was founded. According to the krewe web site, Carrollton was organized in 1924 by a group of local businessmen, parading on Mardi Gras Day in their neighborhood. In 1933, when rain forced the cancellation of most of parades, including Rex, Carrollton presented the only daytime parade of the season. Following World War II, during which there was no Mardi Gras celebration, the men of Carrollton reorganized. The krewe was also instrumental in helping two other top-notch krewes, Endymion and Zeus, get off the ground in their early years. Carrollton now boasts more than 200 members. www.kreweofcarrollton.com
BARKUS
Carnival’s most popular canine krewe, Barkus, draws animal lovers to the French Quarter each year for a one of a kind parade experience. Look for dogs and dog owners in all sorts of creative costumes, designed to match the krewe’s always-clever theme. According to the krewe web site, Barkus’ Queen is selected by secret ballot and announced only weeks before the parade, and is always a rescued or adopted female dog. Every year the krewe donates the proceeds of the parade registration fees, merchandise sales, and ball profits to animal welfare groups. http://www.barkus.org/
NEMESIS
Another sign of the rebirth of St. Bernard Parish is the health of its Carnival celebration, including the Knights of Nemesis, which staged a parade in 2006, just after Hurricane Katrina. Their processions since the storm were hits among parade-goers, many of whom were natives and former residents of the parish, who made a special trip in to enjoy the parade. This year the parade features a later starting time: 4:00 p.m. http://www.knightsofnemesis.org/
KING ARTHUR
Like a handful of other krewes, King Arthur faces a bit of a scheduling dilemma if the Saints make it to the Super Bowl on February 7, the same day as the parade. Stay tuned for details on any schedule changes as a result. This former Westbank krewe moved its parade Uptown in 2001. In recent years, King Arthur earned extra attention for upgrading the look of its parade, by introducing a handful of all-new floats designed in Spain. Carnival history buffs will enjoy the complete timeline of the krewe’s history, found on its web site. www.kreweofkingarthur.com
CENTURIONS
A longtime fixture on the first Sunday night of the parade season in Jefferson, Centurions moves to Friday this year. The krewe, named for the legendary Roman warriors, was founded by a group of Harahan businessman and presented its first few parades there until moving to the traditional Metairie route. www.kreweofcenturions.com
DRUIDS
Secrecy is the name of the game with this krewe, which has the look and feel of the old-line Carnival. The theme remains secret and the identity of the monarch, who is called the Arch Druid, is never revealed. Once again this year it is the only parade to roll in Orleans Parish on the Wednesday before Fat Tuesday.
THOR
This krewe’s mythical namesake is not from Greek or Roman lore, but from Norse mythology, and the god of thunder and rain. Ironically, rain forced the krewe to change its parade date in 2009. Founded in 1974, Thor welcomes male and female members.
BABYLON
Led by King Sargon (whose identity, following Carnival tradition, is never revealed), this parade has the look and feel of the traditional nighttime parades. The organization was founded in 1939, and named after the ancient city on the Euphrates River. The parade, designed by Carnival historian Henri Schindler, features flambeaux, a mule-drawn king’s float, several signature floats (including the Hanging Gardens of Babylon float and the Tower of Babel float), and the captain and lieutenants ride on horseback.
Check out the krewe’s web site for some pictures of the signature floats. www.knightsofbabylon.com
CHAOS
Observers will note that this parade looks and feels a lot like the 19th century krewe that used to parade on this same night, Momus. While the Knights of Chaos make up their own krewe, the original, satirical theme and traditional style of their parade “feel” a lot like Momus. The old wagon wheels on their floats (which were in fact purchased from Momus) and the flambeaux help contribute to the old-line look. Satire is also Chaos’ strong suit. Look for the original floats, poking fun at local and national newsmakers. Last year’s parade, titled “Naturally Chaos” was a winner, with some only-in-New Orleans icons and references used to toss barbs thrown at politicians and newsmakers. In previous years, the Knights have delighted crowds with their offbeat throws, including a set of collectible cards depicting the parade.
MUSES
It’s probably safe to call this krewe the hottest in all of Carnival. It did not take long for the 1100-plus female members of this krewe to become a Carnival hit. Founded in 2000 and named for the nine daughters of Zeus, the krewe has become known for its flair and creativity, often including a satirical theme, and great logo throws. That includes the ladies’ shoes painted and decorated by krewe members and gently tossed from floats to a lucky few. Muses also prides itself on its community involvement (including hosting an annual contest to have a local student design the artwork for its cups). This year, in addition to its long list of clever throws and clever float titles, the krewe will again feature its signature floats: the shoe float (featuring the krewe’s signature red shoe, and fiber optic lighting), the Sirens float and the bathtub float. www.kreweofmuses.org
HERMES
Like Babylon and Chaos, which parade on the night before it, Hermes is another nighttime New Orleans parade featuring an old-line look. Formed in 1937, Hermes traditionally kicks off the last big weekend of parades in Orleans Parish, with a classically-themed, beautifully-designed parade, including flambeaux and torch bearers. It now boasts more than 650 members. A bit of trivia: Hermes was the first krewe to introduce neon lighting to Mardi Gras. The club’s organizational name (which is also the name of its web site) is the Semreh club, which is Hermes spelled backwards. http://www.semrehclub.org
D’ETAT
One of the hottest krewes in all of Carnival, d’Etat has made a name for itself with biting satire, clever themes and parade innovations, all reflecting a wicked sense of humor. The krewe’s theme is depicted on original floats often featuring sculptured figures of its intended “targets.” Recent post-Katrina processions were certainly no different, with no shortage of material. Last year’s parade used Broadway as a jumping-off point, with floats borrowing Broadway themes to poke fun at Mayor Nagin, the City Council, Archbishop Alfred Hughes, President Obama and Sarah Palin, among others. Founded in 1996, the krewe has become a must-see among Carnival connoisseurs. It is a playful, though secretive, krewe, with a monarch called the “Dictator,” a “High Priest” and an after-parade party called the Revolution. Once again this year, look for krewe members to hand out printed copies of the “D’Etat Gazette,” a keepsake bulletin that includes drawings and descriptions of the floats. www.lekrewedetat.com
SELENE
This all-female krewe has become a favorite of Carnival crowds in Slidell on the Friday before Fat Tuesday. Formed in 1998, the krewe is named for the goddess of the Moon. http://www.kreweofselene.net/
ORPHEUS
One of the biggest and most popular krewes in St. Tammany, the “original” Orpheus has paraded in Mandeville for more than two decades. The members’ signature throw is the pineloon, a pine cone decorated in the Carnival colors of purple, green and gold. The krewe’s web site states that “Legend has it that those who catch an Orpheus Pineloon and display it in their home will experience good fortune all year long.” Check out the site for more history, photos and a timeline of past parades.
www.originalorpheus.com
MORPHEUS
Morpheus celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2010. The krewe is named for the Greek god of dreams and its parade themes have often included the word “dream” in the title. The 400+ men and women of the krewe close out a triple-header of parades on the Uptown route the final Friday before Fat Tuesday. www.kreweofmorpheus.com
NOMTOC
This krewe’s name is an acronym for New Orleans’ Most-Talked of Club. NOMTOC has an all African-American membership of close to 400. It was founded in the 1970s, by a group called the Jugs social club, which has its roots in the 1950s.
www.nomtoc.org
IRIS
This all-female organization is the largest ladies’ krewe in Carnival, with over 900 members. Its namesake is the Greek goddess of the rainbow. The krewe first paraded in the 1920s but traces its roots to 1917. Iris’ maids and dukes wear elaborately-decorated costumes and they and the krewe members toss dozens of specialty throws. Its parade kicks off a big Saturday of parading in New Orleans.
TUCKS
Tucks is known for its irreverent spirit and unique style. This year’s parade should be no different. Its theme? Tucks Faces Reality. The krewe was founded in 1969 by local college students, who named their krewe after the familiar Robin Hood character, whose name also graced the popular Uptown bar where the idea for the krewe was hatched. Look for the signature “toilet seat” float.
www.kreweoftucks.com
ENDYMION
Founded in 1967 as a small neighborhood krewe, Endymion has become one of the must-see super krewes. In fact, under the leadership of founding captain Ed Muniz, it is now the largest krewe in all of Carnival, with over 2,300 members.
This year, the krewe welcomes Saints owner Tom Benson as its grand marshal, a nod to his team’s standout season. This year’s parade theme is a magical one – “Abracadabra.”
In addition to the three dozen or so floats expertly designed by Henri Schindler and the team at Blaine Kern studios, look for the elaborate costumes worn by the maids and the massive signature floats like the Captain Eddie’s S.S. Endymion, one of the longest floats in Carnival. The pre-parade Samedi Gras festival on Orleans Avenue features music from local favorites Contraflow, the Topcats and the Bucktown All-Stars. Music for the post-parade Endymion Extravaganza, the all-night bash held inside the Louisiana Superdome, will come from Lynyrd Skynyrd, Cowboy Mouth, Party on the Moon, Big Swing and the Ballroom Blasters and the Wiseguys. www.endymion.org
ISIS
Named for the Egyptian goddess of the moon and earth, Isis first paraded in 1973. Currently boasting more than 250 female members, Isis began as a Kenner Carnival krewe, before moving to the traditional Metairie parade route. This year it will be the largest all-female krewe parading in Jefferson Parish Carnival.
OKEANOS
Founded in 1949, Okeanos is named for the Greek god of oceans and fertile valleys. Its membership includes both men and women. The krewe was founded by business leaders looking to introduce a parade to the St. Claude Avenue area, where they first paraded. www.kreweofokeanos.org
THOTH
Thoth’s serpentine route, which snakes through Uptown and brings the parade in front of more than a dozen hospitals and institutions, has made it a favorite for generations. With more than 1,200 members, this all-male krewe was founded in 1947, and is named after the Egyptian god of wisdom and the moon. Thoth’s captain and officers ride on horseback, and the krewe is known for its standout king and title floats. Check out the web site for some neat archival photos of parades and balls from years past.
www.thothkrewe.com
MID-CITY
Mid-City has bounced back from the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina four years ago, and restored its reputation as one of the standout parades in Carnival. The krewe no longer parades in Mid-City but remains, in many people’s minds, one of the season’s best daytime parades. Founded in 1933, the krewe moved to the Uptown route in 2002. The krewe's motto is "Pour La Joie De Vivre," which translates to "For The Joy of Living." Mid-City introduced animation to Carnival floats, and its shiny, foil-decorated floats (designed by artist Ricardo Pustanio) are a standout, especially on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Pustanio follows in the footsteps of longtime float designer Betty Rae Kern, from whom he learned many of the tricks of his trade.
www.kreweofmidcity.com
BACCHUS
Hometown hero and Saints superstar Drew Brees will lead the god of wine’s 1,200 members along the Uptown parade route, in what Saints fans hope will be a post-Super Bowl victory celebration, coming on Valentine’s Day, February 14, one week after the big game. Win or lose, Brees will be a perfect Bacchus XLII, helping the krewe live up to its reputation as a super parade with celebrity monarchs that can get the crowd going. Forty years ago when Bacchus first paraded, it helped revive the New Orleans carnival by introducing the “super krewe” style and providing a parade that would draw visitors to town on the weekend before Fat Tuesday. Bigger, more elaborate floats and celebrity monarchs (the first was Danny Kaye) helped accomplish that goal and grow the club into one of the most popular in all of Carnival. Named for the Greek god of wine, Bacchus is also known for its signature floats, including the Kong family, the Bacchagator, Bacchawhoppa, and Bacchasaurus. The parade ends at the Morial Convention Center, site of the Bacchus Rendezvous. www.kreweofbacchus.org
CORPS DE NAPOLEON
This venerable Metairie krewe is named for the French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. It was founded in 1980, and its parade features several special touches, carrying out its French military theme, including horse-drawn floats and carriages and a special tandem float, “Waterloo” which shoots confetti into the air. Check out some video of that special float, on the krewe’s web site. This year’s Valentine’s Day parade features the theme “Name That Love Song.” www.napoleonparade.com
PROTEUS
There are a handful of New Orleans night parades which replicate the look and feel of Carnival a century ago, but Proteus does so with authority, since it first paraded over 125 years ago. As Carnival’s second-oldest parading organization (and the oldest night parade) Proteus features the touches of the traditional Carnival celebration, including beautiful original floats (on chassis that date back to the 1880s), the king’s familiar seashell float, flambeaux carriers, and the Captain riding on horseback. Check out the krewe’s new web site for photos from last year’s top-notch procession.
On Lundi Gras 2000, Carnival aficionados were thrilled to welcome the sea god, Proteus, back to the Uptown parade route after a seven-year absence. This year, try to catch a strand or two of the glass beads thrown by the men of Proteus. They are reminiscent of the Czechoslovakian beads thrown in the 1950s and 1960s. http://www.kreweofproteus.com/
ORPHEUS
Continuing its tradition of packing as many familiar faces as it can onto its beautifully-designed floats, the super krewe of Orpheus this year welcomes some sports celebrities, musicians and an actor starring in a new HBO series being filmed in New Orleans. Saints head coach Sean Payton and LSU head baseball coach Paul Mainieri, who led the Tigers to the 2009 College World Series, will reign as celebrity monarchs. Also along for the ride will be the popular bands Smashmouth and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, singer Taylor Dayne, and local favorites the Imagination Movers. Actor Steve Zahn, one of the stars of the HBO series Treme will also ride as a celebrity guest.
Orpheus was founded in part by native son Harry Connick Jr. back in 1993. With Connick as its leader, the Lundi Gras parade often adopts a musical motif, and its classically-themed floats are elaborately-decorated, many featuring flowers, birds and other items that shimmy and shake as the floats move down the street. Look for the signature Leviathan, Smokey Mary and Trojan Horse floats. Some of the celebrities who have participated in Orpheus in years past include Patricia Clarkson, Whoopi Goldberg, Glenn Close, Sandra Bullock and Stevie Wonder. Check out the krewe’s web site for lots of photos and even video from past parades. Once again this year the parade ends at the Morial Convention Center with the Orpheuscapade. www.kreweoforpheus.net
ZEUS
Zeus is Metairie’s oldest parade, and one of its most polished and most popular. Named for the ruler of all Greek gods, Zeus has earned its reputation as the granddaddy of Jefferson Parish carnival, with a sharp, well-designed, fun parade on Lundi Gras in Metairie. Look for the captain and lieutenants riding on horseback at the head of the parade, as well as the mule-drawn calliope.
www.kreweofzeus.org
ZULU
A Fat Tuesday favorite, Zulu will once again get things rolling on Mardi Gras, with a cast of characters all its own (most in blackface and grass skirts, a Zulu tradition).
The krewe celebrated 100 years in 2009 and post-Katrina, Zulu has helped to show the world the importance of holding Mardi Gras after the storm, despite the fact that the krewe's headquarters, and the homes and businesses of many of its members, were impacted by the storm. Founded in 1916, and organized by the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club, Zulu is known for handing out its decorated coconuts, perhaps Carnival's most prized throw. Look for the "hierarchy" of officials, members elected to positions like "Witch Doctor," "Big Shot," "Ambassador," and "Province Prince.” The krewe has also become known for its annual Lundi Gras festival on the Riverfront, on the Monday before Mardi Gras. Check out the krewe web site for lots more Zulu history and photos. This year’s king and queen are Jimmie L. Felder and Ilana Felder Jefferson. www.kreweofzulu.com
REX
A must-see on Mardi Gras, Rex, the King of Carnival, leads this organization’s all-male membership through the streets, in a parade reminiscent of the classic Carnival. The original floats, designed by Henri Schindler and the team at Blaine Kern Artists, are rolling works of art. Founded in 1872, Rex (Latin for “King”) is credited with many Mardi Gras innovations, including the doubloon (which celebrates its 50th anniversary), Carnival’s colors (purple, green and gold), and anthem (“If Ever I Cease to Love”). In addition to the Captain and lieutenants on horseback, before the king’s float, look for signature floats like the Boeuf Gras, Jester float and His Majesty’s Bandwagon. The Rex web site features beautiful historic images and links to the krewe’s Rex in the Classroom project, which aims to educate local students and parade goers about the parade theme. www.rexorganization.com
ARGUS
Argus once again presents a Fat Tuesday parade which has become a favorite for families along the Metairie parade route. Parading this year with the theme, “Love is in the Air,” the krewe is named for the Greek mythological figure depicted as a man with a peacock’s tail, and 100 eyes. In recent years, the krewe has let commercialism creep further and further into its parade, disappointing some by selling sponsorships and spots on the floats, but its parade is nonetheless a family tradition for many along the parade route on Fat Tuesday. www.kreweofargus.net
GRELA
For many, it wouldn’t be Fat Tuesday in Gretna without Grela. The krewe takes its name from the city in which it parades. It was founded in 1948 as Jefferson Parish’s first parading organization. In the 1980s, the krewe moved to Fat Tuesday, giving Westbank revelers a parade on Mardi Gras itself. Grela’s captain’s float highlights Gretna landmarks.
