CELEBRATE MARDI GRAS AT THE CHLOE
Join us as over 20 parades pass directly by The Chloe on St. Charles Avenue—the prime spot to see all the Mardi Gras festivities. We’re serving as Carnival Central with outdoor food and beverage bars on our Front Lawn, advanced reservations for parade viewing from our patio, and wristband access indoors.
See below for ways to join us, special events, and parade history, routes, and times.
WAYS TO JOIN US FOR MARDI GRAS
Patio Parade Viewing
$75 per Ticket
Looking for a home base during the length of the parades? Take in the vibrant colors and energy of Mardi Gras from the comfort of our patio.
Reservations gain you full access to our lounge and pool bars, Mardi Gras Market, and restrooms, and can be enjoyed for the length of the parade so you can take your time soaking it all in.
Indoor Wristband Access
$45 per Ticket
Know you'll be by but not staying long?
Wristband access is perfect for those looking for a quick respite. Duck into The Chloe and recharge–you'll have full access to our lounge and pool bars, Mardi Gras Market, and restrooms–then head back into the wonderment.
Available for pre-sale only.
Same Day Walk-ins
No Ticket Required
Mardi Gras is a marathon, not a sprint. So, to fuel you we're transforming our Front Lawn from February 10th - 21st.
Come by for regular and frozen cocktails, beer, and wine from our satellite bars, all cushioned with The Chloe Jambalaya, Meat Pies, and Muffaletta.
Pre-Parade Pool Parties
$125 per Ticket
Instead of battling the masses on the route waiting for some of the bigger parades to begin, we invite you to join us poolside in our backyard oasis.
We’re hosting pre-parade parties on the 16th, 17th, and 19th, from 3PM - 6PM. Tickets include live music performances, all-you-can-drink beverages, complimentary food, and wristband access to our indoor facilities.
MARDI GRAS HAPPENINGS
UPTOWN PARADE ROUTE
WEEKEND OF FEBRUARY 10th-12th
FRI, FEBRUARY 10th
6PM Krewe of Oshun
Follows Krewe of Cleopatra
Follows Krewe of Alla
SAT, FEBRUARY 11th
1PM Krewe of Pontchartrain
Follows Krewe of Choctaw
Follows Krewe of Freret
5:30PM Knights of Sparta
Follows Krewe of Pygmalion
SUN, FEBRUARY 12th
11AM Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale
Follows Krewe of Carrollton
Follows Krewe of King Arthur
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10
KREWE OF OSHUN
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2022 | 6pm
Year founded: 1996
Membership: 300 male & female riders
Number of floats: 18 floats
Signature throw: handmade fans
Founded in 1996, the Krewe of Oshun is named for the Yoruba goddess of love and intimacy. Led by the captain aboard a peacock float, the parade includes 20 Barry Barth floats, several bands who participate in a contest, and marching Baby Dolls. Throws include peacock figures and mugs. Oshun’s king is called “Shango.”
Throughout the year, the members of the Krewe of Oshun keeps busy with events for the whole family as well as community service.
KREWE OF CLEOPATRA
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2022 | FOLLOWS—NIGHT PARADE
Year founded: 1972
Membership: 1500 female riders
Number of floats: 21 floats including 9 tandems
Signature throw: handmade fans
Motto: "Her Beauty is Timeless, Her Age is Now—Forever"
Founded in 1972, the first all-female krewe on the West Bank celebrated their 40th anniversary in 2012 with a movie to the East Bank, becoming the first all-female organization on the Uptown route. Their motto is: "Her beauty is timeless, her age is now...forever!"
Named after the Queen of Egypt, the krewe consists of 1,000 members. The fun begins with a Cleopatra Pre-Parade and ends with the post-parade Cleo Jubilee. In between, the queen travels down St. Charles Avenue on her royal barge.
Other krewe events during the year include a Masquerade Gala in September and a Rendezvous Ball in January.
KREWE OF ALLA
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2022 | FOLLOWS-NIGHT PARADE
Year founded: 1932
Membership: 500 male and female members
Number of floats: 22 floats
Signature throw: hand-decorated genie lamps
The Krewe of ALLA is one of the oldest and most storied krewes in Carnival. Established in 1932 during the depths of the Great Depression in Algiers, La., ALLA will celebrate its 90th anniversary in 2022. The krewe, now co-ed, has called the Uptown New Orleans parade route home since 2014 and is known for bright floats, generous throws, and multiple bands and marching groups.
Other krewe events during the year include ALLA's Coronation Dinner at Antoine's in June and the Krewe of ALLA Bash in January.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11
KREWE OF PONTCHARTRAIN
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 | 1 PM
Year founded: 1976
Membership: 400 males and female riders
Number of floats: 17 floats"
Pontchartrain rolls on the first Saturday of the official New Orleans Mardi Gras season with some of Mardi Gras’ most memorable floats, such as “Mr. Mudbug” (the world’s largest crawfish) and a giant fish dubbed “The Super Grouper.” Organized in 1975 and named after Lake Pontchartrain, this fun krewe includes both men and women riders. Past grand marshals have included Allen Toussaint, Red Buttons, Bart Simpson, Irma Thomas, Jim Henderson, and Becky Allen.
Along with the parade, the Pontchartrain experience also includes the Coronation ball, a celebration luncheon at Galatoire’s, a second line parade on Bourbon Street, a Balcony Party at Johnny White's Bar, and a Captain's Coffee.
KREWE OF CHOCTAW
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 | FOLLOWS — DAY PARADE
Year founded: 1935
Membership: 275 male and female riders+ children
Number of floats: 16 floats
Signature throw: hand-decorated tomahawks
Although this social club was founded in 1935, the Krewe of Choctaw didn’t have their first parade until 1939 when they bought ten old mail wagons from the U.S. Government – the chassis for the first Choctaw carnival parade floats. They used the New Orleans Sanitation garage and a U.S. Naval Station warehouse as dens before moving to their lair in Algiers.
Formerly a West Bank parade, today the Krewe of Choctaw follows the traditional Uptown route in New Orleans. It rolls on the first Saturday of the carnival season. Men, women and children are welcome to join. The krewe holds events throughout the year, including the Chief Choctaw Pub Crawl, Chief’s Red Beans & Rice Dinner, Chief Choctaw’s Big Pow Wow and an annual golf tournament.
KREWE OF FRERET
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 | FOLLOWS — DAY PARADE
Year founded: 2014
Membership: 500 male and female riders
Number of floats: 18 floats + 3 superfloats
Signature throw: handcrafted masks
The Krewe of Freret paraded for more than 40 years until the mid-1990s. In 2011, the resurgence of the krewe began with seven Loyola graduates who wanted to unify enthusiastic young professionals and infuse vigor into Carnival while revitalizing the Freret corridor.
Today, the co-ed Krewe of Freret is known for its penchant for locally produced throws, including hand-decorated masks the members create themselves.
Every year, Krewe of Freret royalty is crowned at a public coronation ceremony held at Royal Street and Elysian Fields Avenue immediately preceding Krewe du Vieux and Krewe Delusion. Other events include a Black-Tie Ball with popular local performers. Ticket sales benefit the Son of a Saint organization.
KREWE OF SPARTA
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 | 5:30 PM
Year founded: 1951
Membership: 300 male riders
Number of floats: 17 floats
Founded in 1952, the Knights of Sparta take their name from the city-state in southern Greece, renowned for its simple, stoic ways and exemplary disciplines.
The Knights of Sparta, an all-male krewe, first paraded in 1981 in Orleans Parish. The Knights are still known for their elaborate ball masque tableaus and for their traditional, yet innovative, street parade on the first Saturday on the Carnival parade season. This organization is formed by more than 350 male riders. Past throws have included medallion beads, doubloons, Spartan helmets and a top-secret mystery throw.
KREWE OF PYGMALION
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2022 | FOLLOWS - NIGHT PARADE
Year founded: 2000
Membership: 550 male and female riders
Number of floats: 25 floats
In 2000, the Krewe of Pygmalion was founded by a group of Carnival veterans intent on providing a high-quality parade for the first week of the season. In Greek mythology, Pygmalion was a Cypress king who sculpted a statue of the sea nymph Galatea. So real and beautiful was the statue to Pygmalion, he fell helplessly in love with it and spent the rest of his life adoring it.
After the parade, the fun continues at their annual party: Pygmalionfest.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12
THE MYSTIC KREWE OF FEMME FATALE
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2022 | 11AM
Year founded: 2013
Membership: 750 female riders
Number of floats: 20 floats
Signature throw: bejeweled mirror compacts
The Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale, founded in 2013, parades Uptown on the first Sunday of Mardi Gras season. Femme Fatale was the first krewe founded by African American women for African American women, although all women are welcome. Their colors are candy apple red, black and white and their signature throw is a designer ladies compact, symbolizing a constant inward and outward reflection. The Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale produces a number of hugely successful community engagement events including its annual "Say Yes to the Prom Dress," which provides gowns and accessories - free of charge - to hundreds of teenage girls around the city.
Cherchez La Femme, a 40-member all-female dance krewe comprised of members belonging exclusively to Femme Fatale, performs choreographed dance routines in the parade to old school and new school R&B, and hip hop favorites. Along with the Femme Fatale parade, the women have appeared in PJ Morton's New Orleans Girl video, the Krewe of Boo Parade, the Krewe of Jingle Parade and Pelican's home game. The group’s costumes suggest the mystique of a femme fatale and can play on any alter ego.
KREWE OF CARROLLTON
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2022 | FOLLOWS — DAY PARADE
Year founded: 1924
Membership: 575 male riders
Number of floats: 27 floats
Signature throw: hand-decorated shrimp boots
The Krewe of Carrollton is the fourth oldest Carnival parading organization, behind Rex, Proteus, and Zulu. It was founded by a group of Oak Street businessmen in 1924 as "The Seventh District Carnival Club” and became the Krewe of Carrollton in 1947.
The Krewe made a lasting place for itself in Carnival history when in 1933 – the wettest season on record – Carrollton was the only daytime parade to roll that year. Not even Rex paraded. Nearly a decade later, however, a devastating den fire and the outbreak of World War II caused the krewe to temporarily disband. In 1947, the surviving members got back together and resumed their place in the Mardi Gras lineup.
Carrollton has more than 550 members and is known for throwing decorated shrimp boots, doubloons, specialty beads and cups.
The Krewe of Carrollton is known for innovation and sustainability as well. It was the first Krewe to utilize tractors in lieu of horse-drawn floats, the first krewe to install safety harnesses for its riders and to utilize large City of New Orleans refuse chassis as a base for its floats.
The krewe is also known for its by-invitation-only Mardi Gras Ball Masque which caters to nearly 1,000 friends and family each year; a feat that astounds krewe’s with larger memberships.
WEEK OF FEBRUARY 15th-21st
WED, FEBRUARY 15th
6:15PM Krewe of Druids
Follows Krewe of Nyx
Follows Krewe of Morpheus
THU, FEBRUARY 16th
5:30PM Knights of Babylon
Follows Knights of Chaos
Follows Krewe of Muses
FRI, FEBRUARY 17th
5:30PM Krewe of Hermes
Follows Krewe D’Etat
Follows Krewe of Morpheus
SAT, FEBRUARY 18th
11AM Krewe of Iris
Follows Krewe of Tucks
SUN, FEBRUARY 19th
11AM Krewe of Orkeanos
Follows Krewe of Mid-City
Follows Krewe of Thoth
5:15PM Krewe of Bacchus
MON, FEBRUARY 20th
LUNDI GRAS
5:15PM Krewe of Proteus
Follows Krewe of Orpheus
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21st
MARDI GRAS DAY
8AM Krewe of Rex
Follows Krewe of Elks Orleans
Follows Krewe of Crescent City
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15
KREWE OF DRUIDS
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2022 | 6:15 PM
Year founded: 1998
Membership: 250 male riders
Number of floats: 18 floats
Established in 1998, the Ancient Druids take their name from the priest class of ancient Celtic societies who connected their people with the gods and nature.
Led by the king, the Archdruid, the group is limited to 250 members who belong to other Carnival organizations. Their identities are never revealed. As a parade-only krewe, the Ancient Druids do not have a bal masque or traditional royalty.
Founded in 2012, the Mystic Krewe of Nyx is one of the city’s largest all-women's Mardi Gras krewes. It prides itself on embracing women of diverse backgrounds. Their motto is “Friends come and go, but a sister is forever.”
Nyx (pronounced nicks) was the Greek goddess of the night. She was so powerful that not even Zeus dared to upset her. Past Nyx Goddesses have includes Chef Susan Spicer, singer Peggy Lee, the Dixie Cups (“Chapel of Love”), and Irma Thomas, the Soul Queen of New Orleans.
Nyx’s colors are hot pink and black. Their signature throw is the hand-decorated Nyx purse. The Krewe of Nyx typically parades on the St. Charles Parade route the Wednesday night before Mardi Gras.
KREWE OF NYX
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2022 | 6:45 PM
Year founded: 2012
Membership: 3,476 female riders
Number of floats: 44 floats
Signature throw: hand-decorated purses
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16
KNIGHTS OF BABYLON
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2022 | 5:30 PM
Year founded: 1939
Membership: 310 male riders
Number of floats: 27 floats
Signature throw: LED Jester on a stick
The Knights of Babylon were found in 1939, by a group of professionals called The Jester’s Club. Their goal: to stage a first-class parade that would delight the public. Babylon is a firm believer in tradition and uses floats with the same designs as were used more than seventy years ago. What’s more, they still have flambeaux lighting the parade and their king’s float is drawn by a mule. Each float in the Knights of Babylon parade is a chapter in a rich history that only gets more fascinating with time.
Babylon consists of more than 300 knights led by their king, Sargon, who takes his title from the legendary Babylonian ruler. Tradition dictates that the current king's identity is never revealed to the public. The theme of the parade remains secret as well. After all, Mardi Gras is more fun with a little bit of mystery, don’t you think?
KNIGHTS OF CHAOS
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2022 | 6 PM
Year founded: 2000
Membership: 225 male riders
Number of floats: 16 floats
According to Greek mythology, Chaos was the void out of which the universe and all its gods were created. In 2000, the Knights of Chaos filled the void created when the Knight of Momus stopped parading in 1992 after 100 years.
The 225 member all-male krewe parades on the Thursday before Fat Tuesday (traditionally known as “Momus Thursday.”) Like Momus, Chaos presents a satirical parade. They never reveal the king's identity or the parade theme ahead of time.
Organized in 2000, the Krewe of Muses is named after the legendary daughters of Zeus. In Greek mythology, muses were patrons of the arts and sciences, as well as sources of inspiration for artists, poets, philosophers, and musicians.
The parade has become one of Mardi Gras' favorites, thanks to its humorous and biting parade themes. Each year, in addition to their year-long philanthropic works, the Muses host a design contest for students in the area. The winner rides as a guest of the krewe and his or her design is turned into a throw cup!
In addition to allowing students to design their throw cup logos, they also have had children design their masks. Now those duties have been passed along to adults, such as senior citizens and other adults in rehabilitative environments that may have not been able to participate in the parade as parade goers.
KREWE OF MUSES
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2022 | 6:45 PM
Year founded: 2000
Membership: 1118 female riders
Number of floats: 26 floats
Signature throw: hand-decorated high-heeled shoes
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17
KREWE OF HERMES
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022 | 5:30 PM
Year founded: 1937
Membership: 827 male riders
Number of floats: 32 floats
In 1937, while America suffered through the Great Depression, a group of New Orleans businessman met to come up with a uniquely New Orleans’ solution to the city’s widespread woes: they decided to throw a party. Years later, after Hurricane Katrina, the krewe solved their problems the same way. Refusing to let the storm stop them, Hermes was one of the first Carnival Clubs to re-organize after the storm.
The Knights of Hermes takes their name from the Greek winged courier of the gods. Their inaugural parade in 1938 was the first to use neon lighting for its floats. Today, the Krewe of Hermes parades through Uptown with nearly 700 male riders. Per tradition, the Hermes' captain leads the procession in full regalia on a white horse.
KREWE D’ETAT
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022 | 6:30 PM
Year founded: 1996
Membership: 545 male riders
Number of floats: 24 floats
Signature throw: blinking logo skull bead
Founded in 1996, Le Krewe d'Etat motto is “Live to Ride, Ride to Live. Its floats adhere to a traditional style of design that impart Le Krewe d'Etat's satirical theme, which has been voted "Best of Carnival" by critics. The parade features 24 floats, including a special signature High Priest Float. The Captain and officers ride on horseback throughout the parade.
In the tradition of Carnival, secrecy is very important to Le Krewe d'Etat. The identity of the ruler - the Dictator - is never revealed to the public, and the theme is secret until parade day.
The krewe's signature throw is the blinking logo skull bead. (Le Krewe d'Etat was the first krewe to throw a blinking bead.) They also publish the D'Etat Gazette, a bulletin with pictures and descriptions of the floats available only at the parade. Members of the krewe dressed as walking skeletons hand out the papers and wooden doubloons at the parades.
KREWE OF MORPHEUS
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022 | 7 PM
Year founded: 2000
Membership: 800 male and female riders
Number of floats: 24 floats
Established in 2000, the Krewe of Morpheus is named for the Greek god of dreams.
The krewe strives to be inclusive in membership and is formed by more than 800 male and female riders. This krewe seeks to give paradegoers an 'old-school' parade experience.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18
KREWE OF IRIS
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022 | 11 AM
Year founded: 1917
Membership: 3448 female riders
Number of floats: 35 floats (all tandems)
Signature throw: hand decorated sunglasses
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.
KREWE OF TUCKS
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022 | 12 PM
Year founded: 1969
Membership: 1800 male and female riders
Number of floats: 36 super sized floats
Signature throw: hand decorated toilet brushes
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.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19
KREWE OF OKEANOS
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2022 | 11 AM
Year founded: 1949
Membership: 320 members
Number of floats: 23 floats
Greek god of oceans and fertile valleys. It is sponsored by the Sonaeko Club (that’s Okeanos spelled backwards)
Okeanos was originally formed to create a neighborhood parade on St. Claude. It later moved to the traditional Uptown/Downtown route on St. Charles Avenue.
With more than 300 male and female riders, Okeanos is known for its elaborately-costumed captain and king. In place of a traditional ball masque, the club presents an elegant Coronation Ball, where the king is presented. (The queen is selected by random draw during the ball).
KREWE OF MID-CITY
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2022 | 11:45 AM
Year founded: 1933
Membership: 200 male and female riders
Number of floats: 17 floats
Founded in 1933, the Krewe of Mid-City is the 5th-oldest continuously parading organization of the New Orleans Mardi Gras season. Often called "The best day parade in Mardi Gras," Mid-City has gained a reputation for having themes dedicated to children and for having some of the best bands in Mardi Gras from all over the country.
Their first parade in 1934 included six small floats drawn by mules, horseback riders and two bands. Mid City’s floats have a unique look, using bright tinfoil as a cover and design element. In 1947, they were the first Krewe to use animation on their floats. In 1955, they had a candy theme parade, complete with floats sprayed with candy flavored aromas.
In addition to themes dedicated to children, the Krewe selects a boy and girl from the local Ronald McDonald House to serve as honorary King and Queen each year.
KREWE OF THOTH
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2022 | 12 PM
Year founded: 1947
Membership: 1900 male and female riders
Number of floats: 39 floats (15 tandems)
Founded in 1947, the Krewe of Thoth is named for the Egyptian Patron of Wisdom and Inventor of Science, Art and Letters. The krewe's original parade route was designed to serve people who were unable to attend other parades in the city. It passed in front of 14 institutions that cared for people with disabilities and illnesses. Now with over 1900 riders and 39 floats, Thoth continues with a unique route designed to pass in front of Children's Hospital and several extended healthcare facilities.
Among Thoth's throws are 3D die-cut metallic necklaces, 6" stuffed polar bears and many varieties of specialized doubloons.
KREWE OF BACCHUS
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2022 | 5:15 PM
Year founded: 1968
Membership: 1600 male riders
Number of floats: 32 floats
Early in 1968, the Krewe of Bacchus broke with Carnival tradition by staging a Sunday night parade with bigger and more spectacular floats than anything previously seen in Carnival. They then decided to have a national celebrity king lead the parade, breaking ranks with 113 years of Carnival tradition. Founded by Owen “Pip” Brennan Jr, Bacchus set out to be the most innovative and imitate Krewe of the Century.
Now, with more than 1,600 members and 32 animated super-floats, the Krewe of Bacchus is revered as one of the most spectacular krewes in Carnival history. Some of the parade's super floats include the Bacchagator, Bacchasaurus, Bacchaneer, Kong Family, and Baccha-Whoppa. The Krewe of Bacchus holds its parade on the Sunday before Mardi Gras Day, drawing crowds of several hundred thousands every year. After travelling through the streets of New Orleans with its massive floats, marching bands, and ceremonial escort groups it ends up inside the Convention Center for their black-tie Rendezvous party of over 9,000 guests from all over the country.
Bacchus, the Greek god of wine, has been portrayed by celebrities including Bob Hope, Charlton Heston, William Shatner, Kirk Douglas, Dick Clark, Will Ferrell, Anthony Mackie, Hugh Laurie, Drew Brees and JK Simmons, just to name a few.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20
KREWE OF PROTEUS
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2022 | 5:15 PM
Year founded: 1882
Membership: 230 male riders
Number of floats: 20 floats
Founded in 1882, the Krewe of Proteus is the second-oldest krewe in Carnival history. Their floats still use the original chassis from the 1880s.
The organization is named after Proteus, the prophetic old man of the sea in Greek mythology, the shepherd of the sea’s flocks. A subject of Poseidon, Proteus could tell the future and change his shape. Like many of the traditional krewes, the King of Proteus is never revealed to public. His float is a giant seashell.
Over the years, the krewe’s throws have included 60-inch red-and-white pearl bead necklaces, plastic tridents and poly-stone medallions.
KREWE OF ORPHEUS
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2022 | 6 PM
Year founded: 1882
Membership: 230 male riders
Number of floats: 20 floats
Founded in 1993, the Krewe of Orpheus takes its name from Zeus and Calliope’s musically inclined son. Founding members include musician/actor Harry Connick, Jr. and his father, Harry Connick, Sr., former New Orleans district attorney. With their first parade in 1994, the krewe of 700 members established itself as a super krewe. They were the first super Krewe to allow both male and female riders.
The krewe’s throws include a number of sought-after items, including light-up Orpheus medallion beads, three different types of doubloons, and four-foot-long stuffed dragons.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21
MARDI GRAS DAY
KREWE OF ZULU
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2023
STARTS at JACKSON + ST. CHARLES
Year founded: 1909
Membership: 1500 male riders
Signature throw: hand decorated coconuts
Although Zulu does not pass right in front of The Chloe, we wanted to provide the history of this historic parade.
Early in 1909, a group of laborers in a club named “The Tramps” went to the Pythian Theater to see a musical comedy that included a skit entitled, "There Never Was and Never Will Be a King Like Me" about the Zulu Tribe. According to legend, after seeing the skit, they retired to their meeting place (a room in the rear of a restaurant/bar in the 1100 block of Perdido Street), and emerged as Zulus. The rest, as they say, is history. Years of extensive research by Zulu's staff of historians, however, seem to indicate that Zulu's beginning was much more complicated than that.
Conversations and interviews with older members indicate that, back in the day, the city was divided into wards, and each ward had its own group or “Club.” The Tramps were one such group. The group that founded Zulu was probably made up of both members from the Tramps and other ward-based groups and members of a Benevolent Aid Society. Benevolent Societies were the first forms of insurance in the Black community. For a small amount of dues, members received financial help when they got sick or there was a funeral to pay for.
While the men marched in Mardi Gras as early as 1901, their first appearance as Zulus came in 1909, with William Story as King. The group wore raggedy pants, and had a Jubilee-singing quartet in front of and behind King Story. His costume of "lard can" crown and "banana stalk" scepter has been well-documented. The Kings following William Story in the early days were similarly attired.
The year 1915 heralded the first use of floats, constructed on a spring wagon, using dry good boxes. The float was decorated with palmetto leaves and moss and carried four Dukes along with the King. That humble beginning gave rise to the lavish floats we see in the Zulu parade today.
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. The most famous Krewe of Zulu king was Louis Armstrong who reigned in 1949.
KREWE OF REX
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2023 | 10 AM
Year founded: 1872
Membership: 440 male riders
Number of floats: 26 floats
With his grand traditions, rich and colorful themes, elaborate costumes and hand-painted floats, Rex is the King of Carnival.
Rex, officially the School of Design, has held more parades than any other organization. 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.
Founded in 1872, the Krewe of Rex is one of the oldest participating groups in Mardi Gras. They formed in a New Orleans still recovering from the Civil War as a way to entice tourists to visit the city and businesses to put down roots in the community. The city’s businessman originally organized Rex to put on a spectacle for the visiting of Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich of Russia. The krewe’s official song – "If Ever I Cease to Love" – is heard throughout New Orleans in the Mardi Gras season. It is a tune that some would describe as quirky, a song from an 1870’s musical called "Bluebeard." The story goes that the song was adopted because the Grand Duke Alexis had a fondness for the actress who sang the song in the musical which was playing at the time of his visit to New Orleans.
Every year, one member of the Rex organization is selected to be Rex, the monarch of the krewe for the year. (He’s often called King Rex, but his correct title is just “Rex.”) Rex is always an influential resident involved in a multiple civic causes and philanthropic pursuits. Rex’s identity is kept secret until Lundi Gras, the day before Mardi Gras. Traditionally, the mayor hands Rex a symbolic key to the city.
KREWE OF ELKS ORLEANS
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2023 | 10:30 AM
Year founded: 1935
Membership: 4,500 male and female riders (families)
Number of floats: 120 trucks
The Krewe of Elks Orleans follows Rex down St. Charles Ave with 50 individually designed truck floats carrying 4,500 male and female riders (families). Founded in 1935, the Krewe of Elks Orleans is the oldest and largest of all the truck float krewes.
KREWE OF CRESCENT CITY
TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2022 | 10:30 AM
Year founded: 1947
Membership: 2,500 male and female riders
Number of floats: 65 trucks
Founded in 1947, the city’s second-oldest truck parade has over 2,500 male and female riders. While the krewe sets no overall theme, each truck represents a different Carnival organization with its own title and theme. The Krewe of Crescent City follows the Krewe of Elks-Orleans and is the last truck parade in the Orleans Parish. The krewe signals the official "beginning of the end" of Carnival.