MARDI GRAS HISTORY
The origins of Mardi Gras can be traced to Medival Europe, though we have no written record of how that really transformed into the current Mardi Gras of today. But the origins of the Mardi Gras we celebrate today -- with Kings, Mardi Gras colors, and brass bands -- are traced to New Orleans.
Although we can trace its history to the Romans, a French-Canadian explorer, Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville, landed on a plot of ground 60 miles directly south of New Orleans in 1699 and called it "Pointe due Mardi Gras." He also established "Fort Louis de la Louisiane" (which is now Mobile) in 1702. In 1703, the tiny settlement of Fort Louis de la Mobile celebrated the very first Mardi Gras.
In 1704, Mobile established a secret society (Masque de la Mobile) ... similar to those who form our current Mardi Gras Krewes. It lasted until 1709. In 1710, the "Boeuf Graf Society" was formed and paraded from 1711 through 1861. The procession was held with a huge bull's head pushed alone on wheels by 16 men. This occurred on Fat Tuesday.
New Orleans was established in 1718 by Jean-Baptise Le Moyne. By the 1730s, Mardi Gras was celebrated openly in New Orleans.. but not in parade form. In the early 1740s, Louisiana's Governor The Marquis de Vaudreuil established elegant society balls -- the model for the New Orleans Mardi Gras balls of today.
The earliest reference to Mardi Gras "Carnival" appears in a 1781 report to the Spanish colonial governing body. That year, the Perseverance Benevolent & Mutual Aid Association is the first of hundreds of clubs and carnival organizations formed in New Orleans.
By the late 1830s, New Orleans held street processions of maskers with carriages and horseback to celebrate Mardi Gras. Newspapers began to announce Mardi Gras events in advance.
In 1871, Mardi Gras's second "Krewe" is formed, the Twelfth Night Reveler's, with the first account of Mardi Gras "throws."
1872 was the year that a group of businessmen invented a King of Carnival -- Rex -- to parade in the first daytime parade. They introduced the Mardi Gras colors of purple, green and gold; the Mardi Gras song, and the Mardi Gras flag.
In 1873, the first floats were constructed entirely in New Orleans instead of France. In 1875, Governor Warmoth of Louisiana signs the "Mardi Gras Act" making it a legal holiday in Louisiana, which is still is.
Most Mardi Gras Krewes today developed from private social clubs that have restrictive membership policies. Since all of these parade organizations are completely funded by its members, we call it the "Greatest Free Show on Earth!"
MARDI GRAS THROWS
Doubloons, Beads, Cups, and More...
The throwing of trinkets to the crowds was started in the early 1870s by the Twelfth Night Revelers, and is a time-honored expectation for young and old alike.
In 1884 (over 100 years ago!), Rex started using medallions instead of trinkets. These medallions are represented by today's doubloons. These doubloons are aluminum and anodized in many different colors. They depict the parade theme on one side and the Krewe's emblem on the other. They have become collector's items.
In the Bacchus parade, the King's float throws doubloons with the image of the Celebrity King on one side of the doubloon. If you're lucky enough to catch one, hold onto it!
Other popular throws include cups (otherwise known as New Orleans dinnerware), long pearl beads and stuffed animals.
Be warned! If you're at your first parade and reach down to pick up a doubloon with your hand, your fingers may never be the same! Many stomp on doubloons in their rush to claim them.
Hint: If you're standing next to a bunch of old grandmothers dressed in high heels and playboy bunny outfits, don't think your chances are any better -- they may be old, but they have fast feet -- and the spikes on those heels -- Ouch!!
MARDI GRAS BALLS
While most people think of parades when they think of Mardi Gras, other traditions continue. The King and Queen work all year for the big spectacular ball. Their identity is a closely guarded secret -- and part of the mystique -- until the night of the Ball.
Most of the balls are a formal and private affair for the Krewe. Debutantes are introduced at the Ball Tableau as a formal introduction to society. The climbing of the social ladder starts for the children serving as pages to the court. Women dress in ball gowns and hope to be issued a "call-out" card. If fortunate enough to receive one, she is seated in a selected area and waits her turn to be "called out" for a dance by the Krewe member that sent the card. A night of dining and dancing with a prince in formal attire - what a dream!
Attendance at the older, more aristocratic Balls is by invitation only. (No one really feels left out if they don't receive an invitation, though. Lots of folks aren't invited, including some governors who wanted to attend.) Originally, ball invitations were die-cut and printed in Paris -- and they continue to be quite colorful and valuable works of art. These invitations are also collector's items, often framed for their beauty, and are an interesting conversation piece.
Some large parades produce an indoor extravaganza the night of their parade. This is a wonderful way to experience Mardi Gras! Everyone dresses formally, enjoys the parade, entertainment, and food all night long! See rebroadcasts of one of these live "compucasts"--right here on the net!
Learn more about Mardi Gras Krewes.
MARDI GRAS PARADE KREWES
Featured Parade Krewes
Krewe of ZULU
Home of the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club -- well known for its interesting history and "golden nugget" (coconut) parade throws.
Mardi Gras Indians
The Mardi Gras tradition often considered our "Black Mardi Gras" See the beautiful beaded and feathered costumes they hand design throughout the entire year!
Krewe of Bacchus
Krewe of Bacchus features national celebrity monarchs each year, and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors. Its yearly exclusive Rendezvous can be seen live ... rebroadcasts now online!
Krewe of Rex
This parade krewe is the origin of many traditions of Mardi Gras, including its colors of purple, green and gold, as well as the collectible doubloon coins (introduced by Rex in 1960).
Krewe of Endymion
Endymion quickly emerged as one of Carnival's 'Super-Krewes' in 1974 with the inclusion of more floats and celebrity guests.
Other Parade Krewes:
Krewe of Crescent City
Founded in 1947, the trucks in the Crescent City parade hold over 3,000 male and female riders.
Krewe of Elks Orleans
The Elks Orleanians are a group of over 50 individually designed truck floats that parade following Rex down St. Charles Ave.
Krewe of Orpheus
In New Orleans, the krewe established themselves as a superkrewe with their first parade in 1994 that rolled with 700 riders, a record at the time.
Krewe of Proteus
Founded in 1882 and making its debut with a Parade theme based on Egyptian mythology, the Krewe of Proteus is thus the second oldest Krewe in Carnival history.
Krewe of Mid City
Founded in 1933, the Krewe of Mid-City is the 5th oldest continuously parading organization of the New Orleans Mardi Gras season.
Krewe of Thoth
Founded in 1947, the Krewe of Thoth is named for the Egyptian Patron of Wisdom and the Inventor of Science, Art and Letters.
Krewe of Okeanos
Founded in 1949, the Krewe of Okeanos is named for the Greek god of oceans and fertile valleys.
Krewe of Tucks
Organized in 1969, the Krewe of Tucks has been a crowd favorite for almost 40 years for both its irreverence and its great throws.
Krewe du Vieux
Founded in 1987, the Krewe du Vieux is one of the most anticipated krewes with the hand-made mule-drawn floats and adult themes.
Krewe of Little Rascals
Founded in 1983, The Krewe of Little Rascals is America's longest running, most flamboyant children's Mardi Gras Krewe in Carnival history.
Krewe of Oshun
Founded in 1996, the Krewe of Oshun is named for the Yoruba goddess of love and intimacy.
Krewe of Cleopatra
Founded in 1972, the Krewe of Cleopatra, named after the legendary Queen of Egypt, is the first all-female organization in the Westbank.
Krewe of Excalibur
Founded in 2000, Excalibur was named for the legendary sword of King Arthur.
Krewe of Gladiators
Founded in 1973, the Krewe of Gladiators takes its name from the Roman warriors.
Krewe of Pygmalion
Founded in 2000, Pygmalion takes its name from the Greek legend of a Cypress king.
Krewe of Pontchartrain
The Krewe of Pontchartrain was organized in 1975 and is named after Lake Pontchartrain.
Krewe of Shangri-La
The Krewe is named after the mythical Eden-like land called "Shangri-La" in the Himalayan mountains.
Krewe of Sparta
Founded in 1952, Krewe of Sparta takes its name from the city-state in southern Greece, renowned for its simple, stoic ways and exemplary disciplines.
Krewe of Pegasus
Founded in 1957, Krewe of Pegasus is named for the winged horse of Greek mythology, born of the blood of Medusa.
Krewe of Caesar
Founded in 1979, the Krewe of Caesar takes the name of an actual historical figure rather than a myth.
Krewe of Alla
Founded in 1932, the all-male Krewe of Alla is one of the largest krewes in the Westbank.
Krewe of Carrollton
Founded in 1924 by a group of local businessmen, Carrollton has a long-standing tradition of rolling exactly at its designated time.
Krewe of King Arthur & Merlin
Founded in 1977 on the West Bank, King Arthur now parades on New Orleans' Uptown route.
Krewe of Barkus
The Krewe of Barkus is the only Mardi Gras krewe in New Orleans by and for the canine population.
Krewe of Nemesis
The Knights of Nemesis take its name from Nemesis, the goddess of retribution in the Greek mythology.
Krewe of Rhea
Founded in 1969, the Krewe of Rhea takes its name from Rhea, the daughter of Uranus and the mother of Zeus, a titaness of Greek mythos.
Krewe of Centurions
Founded in 1979, this all-male organization decided to be named after the fabled group of Roman warriors, as the Centurians were leaders of men.
Krewe of Ancient Druids
Established in 1998, the Ancient Druids take their name from priest class of ancient Celtic societies who connected their people with the gods and nature.
Knights of Babylon
Founded in 1939, the Knights of Babylon proudly adhere to the traditional float design, which has remain unchanged for over 60 years.
Knights of Chaos
Organized in 2000, the Krewe of Chaos is formed by 200 male riders.
Krewe of Muses
Organized in 2000, the Krewe of Muses is named for the daughters of Zeus and patrons of the arts and sciences.
Krewe of Hermes
Founded in 1937, the Knights of Hermes take their name from the Greek mythos of the winged courier of the gods.
Krewe d'Etat
Le Krewe d'Etat emerged in 1996 as the preeminent krewe and now boasts numerous floats with many riders.
Krewe of Aquila
Taking the Latin word for eagle, this popular Metairie krewe boasts some of the most beautiful court costumes in Mardi Gras.
Knights of Jason
Founded in 1965 as Kenner's only parading organization, the Knights of Jason became dormant by 1974.
Krewe of Morpheus
Established in 2000, the Krewe of Morpheus is named for the Greek god of dreams.
Krewe of Isis
Founded in 1973, the all female Krewe of Isis first started parading in Kenner before taking the standard Veterans Memorial Boulevard route In Jefferson Parish.
Krewe of Iris
Founded in 1917, The Krewe of Iris first stated parading in 1959 and is the oldest as well as the largest all female Krewe in New Orleans.
Krewe of NOMTOC
Founded in 1951, The Krewe of NOMTOC (New Orleans Most Talked Of Club) began parading on the Westbank (Orleans Parish) in 1971.
Mystic Knights of Adonis
Founded in 1999, The Mystic Knights of Adonis shares only a similarity in name to The Mystic Krewe of Adonis which paraded in Orleans Parish during the 1950's.
Corps de Napoleon
Founded in 1980, The Corps de Napoleon honors Louisiana's French history by taking its name from France's greatest hero, Napoleon.
Krewe of Zeus
Founded in 1958, The Krewe of Zeus was the first to stage a nightime parade in the suburbs of Jefferson Parish where it holds the title of oldest parading organization.
Krewe of Argus
Founded in 1972, The Krewe of Argus takes its name from the Greek God, Argus, the all-seeing with one hundred eyes.
Krewe of Elks-Jeffersonians
Founded in 1974, The Krewe of Elks-Jeffersonians is sponsored by the Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks, a worldwide fraternal society dedicated to charitable deeds.
Krewe of Jefferson
Founded in 1972, The Krewe of Jefferson is the last truck parade in Jefferson Parish.
Krewe of Grela
Founded in 1947, The Krewe of Grela takes its name from the comunity where the parade passes through, Gretna, LA.
Krewe of Choctaw
Founded in 1935, The Krewe of Choctaw had their first parade in 1939, 4 years after the founding of the organization.
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