MARDI GRAS at THE CHLOE
Join us as over 20 parades pass directly by The Chloe on St. Charles Avenue. We’re serving as Carnival Central with food and beverage bars on our Front Lawn open to the public, plus advanced reservations for parade viewing from our patio, pre-parade parties on the 16th, 17th, and 19th, and wristband access indoors. Tickets are available through Resy.
Saturday, February 18th Uptown parades start at 11AM.
Click into each Krewe below to learn more about their history.
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2023 Theme: Iris Soars to New Heights
Organized in 1917, the Krewe of Iris is the oldest and one of 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. The Krewe takes its name from Iris, the goddess of the rainbow and the messenger of the gods in classical Greek mythology.
Parading through the streets of New Orleans since 1959, the Krewe of Iris includes over 3,400 members participating in a Carnival celebration featuring bands and entertainment from across the United States, and 35-tandem floats. Noted for its unique throws, including hand-decorated sunglasses and king cake babies, the Krewe throws a diversity of beads, cups, doubloons, and Iris-themed items.
• Year founded: 1917
• Membership: 3448 female riders
• Number of floats: 35 floats (all tandems)
• Signature throw: Hand-decorated sunglasses -
The Krewe of Tucks began in 1969 as a group of Loyola University students. The name "Krewe of Tucks" comes from the name of the now non-existent Uptown pub where two college students decided to start their own krewe after failing at their attempt to become white flambeaux carriers. Friar Tucks is no longer in business, but the parade rolls on.
The Tucks parade has grown immensely over the years. Originally it was a nighttime parade of pick-up trucks. They changed to a daytime parade in 1983 and joined the traditional Uptown to Downtown route in 1986.
While the group has grown, they make sure to never lose their sense of humor and maintains their “Animal House” reputation. Tucks is recognized for its irreverence and for its satirical floats, including the King's Throne (a giant toilet).
Past Krewe of Tucks kings include comedic actors John Candy and Eugene Levy.
• Year founded: 1969
• Membership: 1800 male and female riders
• Number of floats: 36 super sized floats
• Signature throw: hand decorated toilet brushes