Today Zulu is famous for their coconut throw – quite possibly the most coveted throw in all of Mardi Gras. Zulu’s honor guard is called the Soulful Warriors; and they have characters including Big Shot, Witch Doctor, Ambassador, Mayor, Province Prince, Governor and Mr. Big Stuff. One of the season’s most anticipated and remarkable parades is presented by Zulu, named after the fiercest of the African tribes. Seven years before the black krewe’s 1916 incorporation, the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club’s first King, William Story, spoofed Rex by wearing a lard can crown and by ruling with a banana stalk scepter. The most famous Krewe of Zulu king was Louis On Mardi Gras 2024, the slow-moving Zulu parade delayed Rex and the subsequent truck parades. Mason hopes additional barricades to control crowds along Jackson Avenue enable Zulu to roll more Zulu and Rex (March 4, Mardi Gras Day): These iconic parades roll back-to-back, marking the grand finale of the Carnival season. What To Eat And Other Things To Consider. No Mardi Gras experience is complete without indulging in king cake, the essential snack of the season. Mardi Gras, also often called Carnival or Carnaval, is celebrated in countries around the world with large Roman Catholic populations. Krewe of Zulu: 8 a.m., Uptown New Orleans; Krewe of Rex Rex and Zulu are the most famous krewes on Mardi Gras Day, while Endymion, Bacchus, and Muses highlight the weekend before. Masking & Costuming Float riders are required by law to wear masks, a throwback to the tradition of disguising oneself to blur social lines. They are the origin of many Mardi Gras traditions, including the official Carnival colors of purple, green and gold, as well as the collectible doubloon coins (introduced by Rex in 1960). The Krewe consists of 600 male riders and parades on the New Orleans Uptown route on Mardi Gras day, immediately after Zulu. NEW ORLEANS— Rex and Zulu are two names synonomous with Mardi Gras. They each have a unique and storied pas that plays an integral role in New Orleans culture. In 1872, Rex was founded in a city These days, Rex is joined by the King of the Zulu and the Mayor of New Orleans turns over symbolic control to the two Carnival monarchs. The Modern Lundi Gras festival is a wonderful party with food, drink and music on three stages. Rex, King of Carnival. Though the beads were originally glass, nowadays they’re made of plastic, and are one of the most popular Mardi Gras traditions. 4. Zulu coconuts. Q: What is the name of the Zulu king who symbolizes the Mardi Gras Zulu krewe? A: King Zulu. Q: Which famous entertainer was a member of the Mardi Gras krewe “The Krewe of Orpheus”? A: Harry Connick Jr. Q: Who was the first female to serve as the captain of a New Orleans Mardi Gras krewe? A: Missy E. L. O’Neal (The Krewe of Iris) Each Mardi Gras Parade has a unique history and theme. Search . Krewe of Zulu 8:00am view map ; Krewe of Rex 10:30am view map ; The identity of Rex, the king of Mardi Gras, is kept secret until Lundi Gras (the day before Mardi Gras), and only those within certain social circles receive invitations to the lavish Rex Ball. Le Krewe d’État (Founded 1996) – A newer krewe that upholds the secrecy and satire of traditional Mardi Gras, d’État is known for its Zulu was the first parading organization to feature a queen during Mardi Gras and featured the first queen's float in 1948. It's been said that the Zulu organization was created to poke fun at the white krewes. Whichever truth exists does not negate the cultural and communal impact Zulu has had since its conception. What is Lundi Gras? The Monday immediately before Mardi Gras Day – also called Lundi Gras, “Fat Monday,” or “Shrove Monday” – holds its own ever-evolving traditions and celebrations. Prior to 1987, Monday was typically a day of rest, a welcomed break between the weekend and Mardi Gras Day. Rex has since transformed the Carnival icon into sought-after throw items, and maskers dressed cooks can be seen every Mardi Gras riding atop the krewe’s signature Boeuf Gras float. Call-Out An invitation extended to special female guests to participate in the first round of dances at a Carnival ball. Each Mardi Gras Parade has a unique history and theme. Search . Krewe of Zulu 8:00am view map ; Krewe of Rex 10:30am view map ; Alexandrovich of the Krewe of Rex is credited with establishing purple, gold and green as the official colors of Mardi Gras, stemming from the colors of the duke’s royal house. Rex traditionally declares the start of Mardi Gras by official proclamation. HNOC, 1983.30 The captain of the Mistick Krewe of Comus (center left) the presents Queen Jessie Wing Sennott to the king, standing at rear with his pages, at the krewe’s ball in 1962. Learn all about the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club in this segment from Night 3 of our virtual Carnival event, Mardi Gras for All Y'all. Zulu and Rex roll through New Orleans on Fat Tuesday.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |