Mardi Gras Krewes

You are here: Holiday Central » Mardi Gras » Mardi Gras Krewes

 

Mardi Gras krewes started as social clubs in new Orleans. Initially they were had very tight memberships and restrictive entrance requirements. In the 1990's laws were passed that didn't allow Krewes to march in the parade if they practiced discriminatory practices. Most have abided by these policies but members have to be invited to join. Many Krewes take their names from mythology, however there are modern krewes as well. See listing of famous krewes below.

Babylon - one of the ten oldest Mardi Gras krewes, formed by a dentist in 1939. Members of this club are primarily local businessmen and women.

Bacchus - One of the 'super Krewes' founded in 1968. Their mission is to bring national attention to the Mardi Gras festival, they often break with tradition try new celebrations and invite chooses celebrity figures as king.

Barkus - In 1992 this Mardi Gras Krewe was created at meeting of the Margaret Orr fan club (she is a local Louisiana weather anchor). To be a member of this krewe you have to be a dog (not in costume a real dog).

Carrollton - An oak Street businessman founded this club in 1924. The captain of this krewe rides thru the parade on horseback distributing the longest Mardi Gras beads of any of the krewes up to 48 inches long.

Cleopatra - founded for women on the west bank of the Mississippi in 1972, known for extravagant throws in the parade.

Comus - Originally known as the Mystik Krewe of Comus was founded in 1857 and is the oldest krewe. This krewe refused to abide by the discrimination ordinance and stopped marching in the parade in 1992 (Proteus and Momus also refused to obey the ordinance in 1992, however Proteus has since changed its position).

Du vieux - in 1986 the clone krewe disbanded and four splinter krewes emerged, two of the these krewes later joined, the krewe of CRUDE and the seeds of decline, and 1987 became known as the krewe du vieux. Their annual ball is known as the Krewe Du Vieux doo

Elks Orleanians - This is a truck krewe founded in 1935. Due to the large number of truck in its group it often takes hours for them to pass. They are also noted for their 'Elroy the elk' mascot doll throws.

KOE - One of the newer krewes, they were founded in 1998 by two internet buddies. Members all dress as Elvis with the 1970's white jumpsuit version being the most popular costume. Women can dress as the King or in other 1950's style costumes.

Endymion - Named for the Greek God of fertility this Mardi Gras krewe was formed in 1967. They are the largest 'super Krewe'. The usually choose a celebrity grand marshal who presides over the Endymion extravaganza parade.

Hermes - This Mardi Gras Krewe was formed in 1938 by a group of local businessmen. They have the distinction of being the first krewe to use neon lighting on their float.

Isis - this is the largest ladies krewe and was founded in 1917. They are know for distinctive throws like a 10 gauge doubloon.

Lil Rascals - This Mardi Gras krewe was founded in 1983 and its members are exclusively boys and girls aged five to sixteen.

Mid-City - this Mardi Gras Krewe was founded in 1933 and was named for the neighborhood where they originated. They were the first krewe to introduce animated floats to the parade (they were powered by boy scouts on bicycles under the float).

Momus - Founded in 1877 this is one of the Oldest Krewes. They refused to sign the discrimination ordination in 1992.

Okeanos - Named after the Greek god of the oceans this Mardi Gras Krewe was formed in 1949 by local businessmen. These lobbied successfully to bring the parade thru the business district down st. Claude avenue.

Original Illinois Club - Founded in 1948 this is one of the three old-line black krewes.

Orpheus - Named for the son of Greek muse Calliope, this Mardi Gras Krewe was formed in 1993 by the son of Harry Connick Jr. .

Phunny Phorty Phellows - founded in 1981 this crew consists of men and women in costumes that entertain the parade onlookers with comedy, satire, and gags.

Poseidon - Taking its name from the Greek god of the sea this Mardi Gras Krewe was formed in 1957. They released on of the most sought after doubloon coins sets from 1967 through 1983, featuring the images of sailing ships designed by the H. Alvin Sharpe, known as the father of the doubloon.

Proteus - named after the Shepard of Poseidon's seals this Mardi Gras Krewe was formed in 1882 making it the second oldest krewe. Along with Comus and Momus they withdrew from the parade in 1992, but later rejoined. For many years they were know for the least extravagant throws, but have since changed, and now give away red & white necklaces, small plastic tridents, and medallions.

Rex - The symbol of Mardi Gras and one of the oldest Krewes founded in 1872. They are responsible for choosing the Mardi Gras colors, originating the doubloon. The highlight of the parade is when King of the parade or King Rex arrives on the riverboat float. They choose to accept the 1992 city ordinance, and subsequently are one of the easiest krewes to join.

Thor - Named for the Norse god of thunder this Mardi Gras Krewe was formed in 1982. They are know for being the first krewe to found with both male and female members and becoming the first parade krewe not to throw doubloons.

Thoth - the Egyptian god of wisdom gave this krewe its name when they founded in 1947. Thoth's throws consists of die -cut metal necklaces, stuffed polar bears, and a variety of specially designed doubloons.

Zulu - Mostly of the members who join the Mardi Gras Krewe of Zulu are African American minorities. This Krewe was founded in 1909. In 1949 Legendary Jazz artist Louis Armstrong was their king. One of the most sought after throws in all of Mardi Gras is the Zulu Coconut.

Mardi Gras