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One of the defining features of Mardi Gras in New Orleans is the krewes, or social organizations, that are responsible for organizing the parades, balls, and other events. The first official Mardi Gras krewe, known as the Mistick Krewe of Comus, was established in 1856. This krewe introduced many of the traditions still seen today, including 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 term is best known for its association with Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans, but is also used in other Carnival celebrations throughout Louisiana (e.g. in Lafayette, Shreveport, and Baton Rouge) and along the Gulf of Mexico, such as the Gasparilla Pirate Festival in Tampa, Florida, Springtime Tallahassee, and Krewe of Amalee in Mardi Gras krewes play an essential role in planning events, encouraging volunteerism and participation from residents. This involvement builds stronger community bonds. Additionally, Mardi Gras provides a platform for local artists and musicians to showcase their talents, enriching the cultural landscape. The celebrations often highlight 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 Mardi Gras Krewes. Mardi Gras krewes throw the parades and each has its own history and traditions. Babylon was an important city located on the Euphrates River Float riders toss beads, cups and doubloons to fans and revelers in the 2013 Krewe of Bacchus Mardi Gras Parade on Feb. 10, 2013, in New Orleans Skip Bolen—Getty Images Beads and Throws. It is important to understand a bit about Mardi Gras history to understand how krewes were developed. Mardi Gras in New Orleans began in the early 19th century and was influenced by the annual French tradition of masked balls prior to Lent that took place the late 1700’s. When the Spanish gained control of New Orleans, they outlawed these balls. On average, over one million tourists enter the city in the final days before Mardi Gras, more than three times the city’s 2024 population of 357,767. The increase in people has an undeniable Carnival clubs, with their kings and queens, royal courts, and bals masqués, give New Orleans Mardi Gras a distinctive flavor. At the center of local parading customs is the peculiar term “krewe” itself. A krewe is, simply, a club or organization that exists to celebrate Carnival. The city is requiring more police officers at parades this year, putting higher costs on smaller, independent krewes vital to New Orleans’ Mardi Gras heritage. The Mardi Gras season has had “an economic impact of $50 million. And we did over 10,000 hotel room nights just of those few events to get people here from out of town. So all that is really working. That’s why it’s growing,” continued Zimmern. And just as important as the financial benefits is the spirit of giving back. The seven symbols for Mardi Gras are king cakes, Mardi Gras masks, parades, Mardi Gras throws, the fleur de lis, Mardi Gras beads, and the official colors of Mardi Gras. Head to our Mardi Gras symbols guide for an in depth look at the history and meanings behind the symbols of Mardi Gras . It doesn't matter if you look like an enticing porcelain doll, an evil jester, or a proud feathered peacock. After all, you are parading on the streets just for a day, binging on the big feast before the fast and hiding behind a mask! CelebrationJoy uncovers the history and reason why people wear masks during Mardi Gras. A “cultural revolution on wheels.” That's how the Krewe of ALLA describes its Mardi Gras parade this year. Named in honor of Algiers, La., the 93-year-old New Orleans krewe rolls through Uptown on Wednesday. Gian Durand and James Carter will ride at the helm. They’re the krewe's first ever In 1870, Mardi Gras' second Krewe, the Twelfth Night Revelers, was formed. This is also the first recorded account of Mardi Gras "throws." Newspapers began to announce Mardi Gras events in advance, and they even printed "Carnival Edition" lithographs of parades' fantastic float designs (after they rolled, of course - themes and floats were The Mardi Gras Indians are known to be secretive, intentionally not announcing their parade times or routes publicly in advance, according to Mardi Gras New Orleans. It is also important to note A “cultural revolution on wheels.” That's how the Krewe of ALLA describes its Mardi Gras parade this year. Named in honor of Algiers, La., the 93-year-old New Orleans krewe rolls through It marks the beginning of Lent immediately following Mardi Gras. What is a “krewe” in the context of Mardi Gras celebrations? An organized society that stages parades, balls, and other festivities. In some German towns, what unique tradition involves women taking over town halls on Altweiberfastnacht? In New Orleans, Mardi Gras is a time-honored tradition of celebrating before the Lenten season. One of the most iconic elements of Mardi Gras are the floats that parade through the streets. But why do we have floats in Mardi Gras parades? There are a few reasons. First, floats add a touch of whimsy and fun to the parade.
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