Mardi Gras News

February 2007

 

Krewe of Bacchus
The 2007 "Through the Eyes of a Child " theme parade rolls on Bacchus Sunday, February the 18th, and starts at the corner on Napoleon and Tchoupitoulas. After a procession through uptown and downtown New Orleans, the Krewe of Bacchus concludes its parade inside the convention center and the floats are parked inside for the night.
The Bacchus Rendezvous is held immediately following the parade in the Convention Center. The event is only open to members and their guests.

Bacchus' signature floats include: King Kong, Queen Kong, Baby Kong, Bacchasaurus, Bacchagator and Bacchawhoppa, an 85-foot long mammoth Bacchus whale that comfortably holds 68 Krewe members. The parade features over thirty of the finest and most powerful marching bands seen anywhere in Mardi Gras. Bacchus bands are big, loud, and full of pure heart-pounding, foot-stomping, hand-clapping energy. 

 

Visit Beadwhore to see their whistle beads and Specialty Beads. Their website also has photos and stories from last year's Mardi Gras.

 

HOT BEADS FOR 2007

Need a little life in your party? Mardi Gras Bead Connection has the answer.

Party Long and Party Hard with Super Viagras Mardi Gras beads.

Guaranteed to liven up any party, anywhere, anytime.
You will find these Super Viagras and many more party beads and supplies at www.mardigrasbeadconnection.com

 

Krewe of Orpheus
Parades on Lundi Gras February 19th. The celebrity monarchs for 2007 are Harry Connick, Jr., Patricia Clarkson, and Saints Head Coach Sean Payton.

The Krewe of Orpheus begins its Lundi Gras parade in uptown New Orleans on Napoleon Avenue.   

The floats will carry over 1200 masked riders and celebrity monarchs past the nearly one-million parade-goers along the route.   Each year this parade bring something new and exciting to the Carnival scene! Orpheus is named after the Greatest Mortal Musician and Poet of Mythology, and drawing upon this tradition, music plays a major role in the parade's guest celebrities and themes.
 

Floats as long as 120 feet carrying as many as 100 riders made their way through streets lined with over one million people, while maskers tossed beads, doubloons, and unique specialty throws to the assembled crowds. Watch for the Smokey Mary, Trojan Horse and Leviathan Floats. Very often celebrity friends ride with Orpheus founder Harry Connick, Jr. The parade culminates in the New Orleans Convention Center for the unparalled ORPHEUSCAPADE, an incredible celebration that draws a crowd of over 5000 people each year. Orpheuscapade begins at 7:00pm and lasts until early morning. Past performers have included Stevie Wonder, Branford Marsalis, The Tokens, Vince Vance the the Valients, the Dixie Cups, James Brown, & the Shirelles. Whoppi Goldberg is a regular rider with the Krewe.

Pete Fountain's Half Fast Walking Club kicks off from Washington and Prytania streets at Commander's Palace about 7:30 A.M. on Fat Tuesday and follows the St. Charles Route to the French Quarter and down Bourbon Street.  Members are very generous with kisses and flowers for the ladies.

 

Club members carry beads, doubloons, beads and roses.

Marching Clubs add a special flavor to Mardi Gras Day. The Jefferson City Buzzards is the oldest group (founded in 1890) of the twenty or so clubs. Others include the Ducks of Dixieland, Mondo Kayo, Society of St. Ann, Krewe of Colleen, Lyons and the latest and tackiest addition, The Krewe of Elvis.

You can catch the Ducks of Dixieland in both the Tucks Parade on Saturday afternoon and in the French Quarter on Fat Tuesday.

 

Krewe de Noir, New Orleans' only Gothic Krewe. More information will be released soon.

After Party... The after party will at the Whirling Dervish, and will begin when the parade krewe arrives, and continue until whenever... dj Conner will be spinning your favorite tunes, possibly joined by dj shivar, more details to follow...
Remember that this is the perfect chance for you to put your bad self on display in front of the hundreds of people thronging the Quarter, so dress to impress or distress, as you wish. Questions? Visit the website nola-goth.org

Krewe of Muses presents a spectacular parade on the Thursday before Mardi Gras, February 15th. The 2007 Honorary Grand Marshal is Saints Owner and Executive Vice President Rita Benson Leblanc. The all female parade was named by Gambit as "Best Overall Parade" and "Best Night Parade" in 2002. The theme is only announced on the day of the parade. Muses debuted a special new fiberoptic icon float last year. The 20-foot shoe will carry special guests. A new bathing Muses float was also introduced. The parade also features special marching units like the Pussyfooters. Their throws are amazing and include: Shoe beads , cups, lip whistles, brush and comb sets, toothbrushes, glitter tattoos, bracelets, headbands, lite-up hairdryers, footballs, spears, frisbees and much more.

The muses are the nine daughters
of Mnemosyne and Zeus.
They were goddesses of the
arts and sciences, poetry and song.

Krewe of Morpheus rolls on the traditional uptown St. Charles --  Canal Street route.  

Throws include: Morpheus Medallion Krewe Beads, doubloons -- Captain, Officers, Krewe, King & Queen, Morpheus fish bowl drink holder, Morpheus football & Morpheus soccer ball. Morpheus is the Greek God of Dreams.
http://www.kreweofmorpheus.com

Krewe of Pegasus. The official colors of the Krewe of Pegasus are:  White - Representing the clouds through which the mighty steed rides. Blue - Representing the Sky in which Pegasus Soars. Silver - Representing the Majesty of his flight. Throws include wooden horseshoes and stuffed Pegasus dolls.

 

Krewe of Caesar 2007 Theme is "Movie Madness". The Krewe of Caesar celebrates its 28th Anniversary this year. The 800 member parade will roll on February 10th down the Traditional Metairie route starting from Clearview Mall at 6pm.

 

Krewe of Tucks

Known for its irreverence, the Krewe of Tucks began in 1969 as a group of Loyola University students. The club takes its name from Friar Tuck, an uptown pub where two college students decided to create their own Carnival krewe after unsuccessfully trying to become white flambeaux carriers. Their Extravaganza is open to the public and tickets are available through their website. It is held immediately following the parade at the Sheraton Grand Ball Room, 500 Canal Street. Doors open at 4:00 pm. There will be a Buffet Dinner, Open Bar and Live Music. Past performers at this party include the Funky Meters, Dr. John, Irma Thomas & The Rascals.

Tucks features several marching groups including: The Ducks of Dixieland, Samba Rio Brazilian Dance Team and The Crescent City Cowboys, the Big Nazo Characters and the Chalmette Strutters.

Throws include: Tucks embossed toilet paper is BACK! Tucks large and small medallion bead, Tucks disc bead, Headbands, Dolls Large and Small, Cups, Frisbees, Champaign glasses, footballs, panties, bras, Drum Beaters, Bobbing Head figures, Tucks yard Flags, Beach Balls, Wood and Metal Doubloons and Adult Bracelets. The Tucks parachutes were a big hit last year. Their motto is: Booze, Beer, Bourbon and Broads.
 

Krewe of Endymion rolls on Saturday, February 17th. The theme for 2007 is "Endangered And Extinct Species". The Grand Marshall in 2007 will be Taylor Hicks.

The parade is expected to return to it's traditional Mid-City Route in 2008. This also means a return of the popular Samedi Gras Festival on Orleans Avenue before the start of the Endymion parade. Samedi Gras opens at 11:30 a.m. at the huge outdoor concert stage on the Orleans median at N. Olympia Street. Just as late rising residents along the street are sipping their coffee or popping their first beer of the day, more than 12,000 parade goers begin crowding the median as the first of four bands start to play -- and the party is ON!

By 3 p.m., Endymion’s 2,000 float riders arrive to board the 28 super floats they will ride in the parade. But instead of riding their buses to the staging area from N. Carrollton, most of them hit the street. Pumped up by four New Orleans brass (jazz) bands spread among them, krewe members march or dance the eight blocks to the staging area, throwing beads, doubloons and kisses to spectators and friends along the way. The marchers love it, so does the crowd. 

The Krewe of Endymion is the largest parade of Carnival with 1,000,000 people lining it's route. It also features the longest float "Captain Eddie's S.S. Endymion," led by a beautiful trumpet-blowing river nymph amidst a swirl of blue, green, silver and turquoise waves populated by colorful crawfish, shrimp and fish, all shimmering in fiber optic light -- the approaching noise and mist can mean only one thing: "Steamboat's a-comin!"

Captain Eddie's S.S. Endymion "the krewe's tribute to Ed Muniz -- it's founder and captain since 1966 -- rivals just about anything the golden days of steamboats had to offer on the mighty Mississippi River. The three middle tandem units comprise the 150-foot-long steamboat, brightly lighted in side fiber optic and thousands of mini chase lights playing along her balustrades, cabin and deck edges. Smoke pours from her twin stacks. A live band, traditionally the "Bucktown All-Stars" plays music on her fore deck amidst bales of cotton, barrels of molasses and the ship's gangway. A stadium sound system carries the music throughout the length of the five tandem units, creating a wall of sound. An arched banner of changing color amidships identifies her as the "Capt. Eddie" and a golden calliope, above her giant red turning stern wheel, whistles out tunes in purple, green and gold steam. The Capt. Eddie floats on a self-generated cloud of mist a half block long! She carries more than 200 riders and, fully loaded, weighs 250,000 pounds!


Krewe of Mid-City rolls on Sunday, February 18th at 2PM with the theme Foilicious. This parade has been voted "Best Day Parade" for many years by Gambit Magazine. The Krewe has been parading since 1934. The Krewe sponsors a Battle of the Bands each year that draws bands from all over the country to compete. Throws include their logo potato chip bags, heart mascot dolls, beads and doubloons.

Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Society is the first parade on the morning of Fat Tuesday on the St. Charles route and is one of the most anticipated parades of Carnival. Coconuts, beads and spears are favorite throws and the Krewe members are always generous. The Krewe has an incredible history having been founded in 1916 with 1,300 members and 34 floats. It's 2007 theme is "The wonders of Life, Fantasy, & Nature"

This Krewe is very special. It's use of the black face of the old time minstrel's has drawn much criticism from some quarters unaware of the origin of the tradition. In the 1960's during the height of Black awareness, it was unpopular to be a Zulu. Dressing in a grass skirt and donning a black face were seen as being demeaning. Large numbers of black organizations protested against the Zulu organization, and its membership dwindled to approximately 16 men. While the "Group" 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. This was intended as a spoof on the European Kings favored by other Carnival organizations. Today the parade has riders from all races who don the black face with pride. Louis Armstrong reigned as King Zulu in 1949 and noted film maker Spike Lee served as Grand Marshall in 2003.

 

Rex rolls immediately following Zulu on the traditional St. Charles Route. Rex celebrates 125 years in 2007 with the theme The Lunar Realm. The identities of the King and Queen of Carnival are only announced on Lundi Gras. The organization was founded in 1872 and membership is a closely guarded secret. Rex has several signature floats including The Boeuf Gras (featured below), the Jester Float and His Majesty's Royal Bandwagon.

 

Krewe of Argus rolls on Fat Tuesday in Metairie. Formed in 1972, The Krewe of Argus is comprised of male, female and children members, and has grown to 600 plus. Argus  presents an incident free parade to over one million family-oriented spectators that line the Veterans Blvd. Route every Mardi Gras Day.

 

Krewe du Vieux will take to the streets of the French Quarter. This parade is not for the kiddies and features adult themes. The Krewe believes in exposing the world to the true nature of Mardi Gras - and in exposing themselves to the world. It's annual ball follows the parade at the Palace State Theatre.

New Orleans Hash House Harriers don't parade, but they do run through the French Quarter on the Saturday and Sunday before Fat Tuesday. They will often be in costume or various stages of undress. You will notice their route painted on the street and the participants staggering their way through the streets. Information on their Mardi Gras Madness is available on their website.
 

Hash House Harriers in costume
 

Krewe of Barkus   The pre-parade “PAWTY” starts at 10:30am in Armstrong Park. Parking is available behind the Municipal Auditorium. It is easy to walk over to the park from there or any point in the French Quarter. There is plenty of green space to relax…and, if course, doggie and people drinks will be flowing along with all the appropriate New Orleans food items to consume at will. It is the pre-parade “PAWTY,” so plan to hang and witness the mass of paws taking to the streets of the French Quarter and returning to Armstrong Park. Their website offers several cool Barkus items.

Krewe of Endymeow, is expected to celebrate it's annual bal masque at the The Cat Practice, 1809 Magazine Street.

Mardi Gras visitors with a student ID looking for a less expensive place to stay might try the India House Youth Hostel. Considering a campout to beat the high cost of hotels at Mardi Gras? For a spot at the Moonwalk on a Barge, contact the Cruise Company for a special package. The Caravan Club has a tour package available that covers all areas of Mardi Gras.

2006 MARDI GRAS CALENDAR
Celebrate year-round with...
The 2006 Mardi Gras Calendar is the latest in the series of Mardi Gras Calendars from New Orleans Gumbo Publishing. The calendar is highly prized and usually sells out before the Mardi Gras season is over!
The calendar showcases the photography of Mitchel L. Osborne. Mardi Gras has fascinated Mr. Osborne for the 30 years he has photographed the spectacle.

Mr. Osborne has previously published and photographed the books; Mardi Gras-A Celebration & New Orleans- The Passing Parade.
Available on-line New Orleans Gumbo Publishing

2007 Mardi Gras Poster

Andrea Mistretta creates another beautiful Mardi Gras Poster with her 2007 After the Storm Let there be a Rainbow. All posters are signed by Andrea and it can be purchased along with past posters online at Mardi Gras Graphics.

Mardi Gras Magazine invites you to the world's biggest, free party.

With outrageous photography, parade previews and editorial on every aspect of Mardi Gras from parades and kings, celebrities and costumes, beads and balconies.

Parade previews with maps, themes, kings and courts, krewe histories and preview photos of this year's floats.
Complete Mardi Gras survival information: maps, schedules, traditions, special events, official and unofficial Mardi Gras explained, plus parking and safety tips. Where to eat, drink and party.

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