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Mystick Krewe of Comus's initial invitation for members Bernard de Marigny de Mandeville. Building on the initial work of what French Creole American nobleman, and playboy, Bernard de Marigny had done in 1833, funding and organizing the first official Mardi Gras- a "parade" followed by a tableau ball celebration; [3] [4] [5] in December 1856, six Anglo-American men of New Orleans gathered at The state's oldest extant children's krewe, Oberon, is also based in Lafayette, and was founded in 1928. The first Krewes to parade during Mardi Gras are referred Mardi Gras has been a time honored tradition since the 1730s, slowly evolving into the Mardi Gras we know today. Since we’re in the beginning of Carnival season, we’d thought we’d take a look back at the history of the oldest Mardi Gras Krewe in New Orleans, and how they shaped Mardi Gras today. The original or “old line” krewes are the oldest parading carnival krewes in the City. The first Mardi Gras parade was held in 1857, featuring the Mistick Krewe of Comus. There are currently two old line krewes (Rex and Proteus) that still parade today; all five continue to hold annual carnival balls for its members. Mardi Gras may have some flashy, star-studded, colossal parades, but the old line krewes maintain their original parade traditions to this day. The “super-krewes” of Carnival begin their parades on the Saturday before Mardi Gras, when the Krewe of Endymion takes to the streets of New Orleans. Endymion is followed by Bacchus on Sunday, Orpheus [] Founded in 1917, the Krewe of Iris is the oldest all-female Carnival Krewe in New Orleans. The Mardi Gras Gods must have blessed this krewe, as they are one of the few (if not only) krewes who has never had to cancel their parade due to bad weather. Their signature throw is custom hand decorated sunglasses because the sun always shines on Iris! The Krewe consists of 600 male riders and parades on the New Orleans Uptown route on Mardi Gras day, immediately after Zulu. Founded in 1872, the Krewe of Rex is one of the oldest participating groups in Mardi Gras. The Krewe of Dionysus was founded in 1985 by a group of Slidell businessmen intent on bringing an old-fashioned, family-oriented Mardi Gras parade to the Camellia City. Dionysus (Bacchus in Roman Mythology) is the ancient Greek god of fertility and wine, According to legend, he had a dual nature Mardi Gras krewes throw the parades and each has its own history and traditions. Carnival’s fourth oldest parading group was founded 75 years ago by the Their formation marked one of the biggest changes in Mardi Gras history: krewes designed for the general public. With celebrity kings and an open policy towards ball invitations, Bacchus led the way as the pinnacle of inclusivity. The elitism of the old Mardi Gras social order was largely a thing of the past, at least as a general, citywide Les Mystérieuses held its second and final ball in 1900, but in the years since a number of all-women krewes have continued to revamp Carnival. In 1941 the Krewe of Venus made history as the first women’s krewe to hold a parade, but it was met with disdain by many bystanders, who threw rotten vegetables at the floats. The Krewe of Dionysus was founded in 1985 by a group of Slidell businessmen intent on bringing an old-fashioned, family-oriented Mardi Gras parade to the Camellia City. Dionysus (Bacchus in Roman Mythology) is the ancient Greek god of fertility and wine, According to legend, he had a dual nature The Most Exclusive Mardi Gras Krewes. Krewe of Comus (Founded 1857) – The oldest Mardi Gras krewe, Comus introduced New Orleans to the concept of a themed parade and remains one of the most secretive groups. Unlike many modern krewes, Comus does not allow public membership, and its Twelfth Night Ball is an invitation-only event attended by Known as the "King of Carnival," Rex is responsible for the official Mardi Gras colors — purple, green and gold — and is one of the most prestigious krewes in New Orleans. The Krewe of Zulu marched in Mardi Gras as early as 1901 and offers one of the most sought-after Mardi Gras throws — the Zulu coconut or the “Golden Nugget.” The The oldest female Mardi Gras organization in Jefferson Parish will celebrate Carnival 2025 with a 200-member, 18-float parade. This year's theme is “Isis Goes on a Field Trip” Floats will include Rivertown Theater , Aquarium, and Circus . In New Orleans, Mardi Gras is a time-honored tradition that dates back to the 18th century. Every year, thousands of revelers take to the streets to celebrate the Carnival season. Among them are the members of the various Mardi Gras krewes. So, how many Mardi Gras krewes are there? The answer is quite a few! Rex, one of the oldest Mardi Gras krewes, has been participating in parades since 1872 and established purple, gold and green as the iconic Mardi Gras colors. Louisiana is the only state in which The oldest female Mardi Gras organization in Jefferson Parish will celebrate Carnival 2025 with a 200-member, 18-float parade. This year's theme is “Isis Goes on a Field Trip” Floats will include Rivertown Theater , Aquarium, and Circus . Mardi Gras Parades and Krewes. Q: What is the oldest Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans? A: The Krewe of Comus. Q: What is a “float” in Mardi Gras parades? A: A decorated vehicle carrying members of a krewe or performers. Q: Which Mardi Gras krewe is known for its all-female membership? A: The Krewe of Iris Organized in 1917, the Krewe of Iris is the oldest and the largest female Carnival organization for women. Holding strong to the honored Mardi Gras traditions in its tableau ball and parade, Iris members always wear white gloves and masks, maintaining the "mystery" of the season.
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