Celebrating New Orleans Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is a costumed, feathered party beaded with tradition and throws, and New Orleans krewes are at the heart of it all.

The Carnival season traditionally begins on Twelfth Night — aka Epiphany, or January 6 —and about two weeks before Fat Tuesday, parades start rolling. Every year, Carnival parade organizations — known as "krewes" — are deep in preparations for their annual parades, costume balls and parties long before their parade steps off. 

Get to know some of the krewes you’ll see at Mardi Gras and get answers to frequently asked questions.

• Royal Krewes
• Super Krewes
• Iconic Sisterhood Krewes
• Beloved Themed Krewes
• Amusing Satirical Krewes
• FAQs About Mardi Gras
• Mardi Gras Celebrations Outside of New Orleans

Before you head to the Big Easy, learn 10 things you may not know about Mardi Gras and get familiar with the lingo.

Royal Krewes

Established in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, royal krewes are the epitome of Mardi Gras grandeur. Known for their opulent floats, elaborate costumes and rich traditions, these krewes bring a regal touch to the festivities.

Krewe of Rex was founded back in 1872 and stays true to its traditions to this day, including the gold Rex doubloon. Known as the "King of Carnival," Rex is one of the most prestigious krewes in New Orleans and is responsible for the official Mardi Gras colors of purple, green and gold.

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 earliest reference to the coconut appears around 1910.

Super Krewes

Super krewes are known for their sheer scale and spectacle. These historic krewes transformed Mardi Gras with enormous floats, elaborate themes and star-studded events, creating parades that are as much about grandiosity as they are about tradition.

The Krewe of Orpheus is a nonexclusive and diverse super-krewe welcoming members from all walks of life. The parade rolls on Lundi Gras and culminates with the Orpheuscapade, a black-tie party that draws thousands of revelers to welcome the parade through the New Orleans convention center. Each year, the krewe surprises parade-goers with hand-decorated, elaborate masks and plush toys.

Another well-known super krewe is the Krewe of Endymion, which not only puts on a parade complete with fiber optic and LED lighting, billowing smoke and animated props — but also hosts the Endymion Extravaganza that’s featured musicians like Steven Tyler, Rod Stewart and Pitbull. Their signature throws include oversized beads and custom-designed medallions.

The Krewe of Bacchus is famous for recruiting celebrity kings to lead this massive procession — from the sports world to the entertainment industry and everything in between. Past kings have included Adam Devine, Will Ferrell and Nicolas Cage, all decked out with royal crowns, capes and scepters. Bacchus is known for its large, eye-catching beads and doubloons, often featuring intricate designs and themes.

Iconic Sisterhood Krewes

Mardi Gras krewes were originally limited to men, but over the years, women-led krewes have developed and thrived.

The Krewe of Iris is one of the oldest all-female krewes in New Orleans, rolling since 1959. Named after the goddess of the rainbow, Iris upholds longstanding traditions like full masks and white gloves. And they’re known for kaleidoscopic floats and throws of elaborately decorated sunglasses.

One of the most famous all-female krewes is Muses, named after inspirational goddesses of literature, science and the arts. Muses was established in 2001 and is known for its coveted sparkly shoes, which krewe members begin decorating months in advance.

The all-female Krewe of Cleopatra was born in 1972. Cleopatra's floats typically feature decked-out depictions of ancient Egypt, and their signature throws include Cleopatra-themed doubloons and collectible trinkets like stuffed animals and beads.

Since 2012, the Krewe of Nyx has been known for its elaborate lighting and fantasy themes. Nyx’s nighttime parade features its signature hot-pink throws, like hand-decorated purses and glittering cups.

The Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale in 2013 became the first krewe founded by African American women for African American women. Their signature throw is a candy-apple-red mirrored compact with a kiss mark, which symbolizes constant inward and outward reflection. 

And in 2018, the Krewe of Nefertiti joined the scene of Mardi Gras sisterhoods, with a strong focus on community service. Each year, they throw a different jewel-themed item from atop their parade floats. 

Beloved Themed Krewes

Known for their imaginative concepts and vibrant displays, these classic themed krewes bring a fresh twist to Mardi Gras each year. 

Founded in 1937, the Krewe of Hermes is one of the longest-running parades in the area. Known for its glowing, fairytale-like floats and costumes, Hermes leads a nighttime parade with a vibrant procession that features neon decorations and stunning visuals that light up the streets of New Orleans.

The Krewe of Thoth entered the Carnival picture in 1947 with an Uptown New Orleans neighborhood route designed to pass in front of institutions that care for persons with disabilities and illnesses who aren't otherwise able to attend parades in the city. Thoth changes its theme every year, with past themes including Things with Wings and Aquatic Adventures.

Established in 2000, the Krewe of Morpheus is named after the Greek god of dreams and features members from across the country. Their signature throws include LED beads, sleepy-time hats, 3D cups, and plush sheep, moons and bears.

Amusing Satirical Krewes

These krewes inject humor and irony into Mardi Gras with their unconventional floats and playful themes. Expect silly costumes and a touch of irreverence.

The Krewe of Tucks began in 1969 and takes its name from Friar Tuck's, a now-defunct Uptown pub where two Loyola University students decided to create their own Carnival. Embracing wackiness and irreverence, Tucks often tosses out toilet-themed throws and decorated plungers, with their iconic giant toilet float making an appearance each year.

The Krewe of King Arthur introduced its signature throw, The King Arthur Grail, in 2017. The grail is one of a kind, created by local artists, and is handed out to one lucky parade-goer each year. The coveted cup represents the quest for eternal life and love.

The Phunny Phorty Phellows first appeared on Fat Tuesday 1878. After disbanding in 1898, they eventually made a grand return in 1981. The krewe is considered by many to be the “Dessert of Carnival.”

The Krewe du Vieux leads lively parades full of hijinks and playful satire of current events. Their mule-drawn floats are accompanied by lively brass bands and costumed revelers. 

The sci-fi themed Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus is “revelrous Star Wars freaks, Trekkies, Whovians, mega-geeks, gamers, cosplayers, circuit benders, cryptozoologists, UFO conspiracy theorists, mad scientists and all super nerds” and aims to keep their throws green by using DIY, homemade and sustainable materials and practices, including tricycles, shopping carts, robotic power chairs, rickshaws and golf carts. 

In a city where Mardi Gras parades seem to be larger than life, 'tit Rex takes the opposite approach and marches with floats made of shoe boxes. You may have to squint to see the tiny procession of this micro-krewe, whose goal is to make you ask “Is that all there is?”

And of course, what would Mardi Gras be without a costumed puppy parade? The Mystic Krewe of Barkus elects two lucky pups as King and Queen Barkus each year. Fetch throws like doggie doubloons and puppy pendants.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mardi Gras

What is a Mardi Gras krewe?

A "krewe" is a social organization that organizes and participates in parades and balls during Mardi Gras. Each krewe has its own traditions and themes.

What are Mardi Gras "throws?" 

"Throws" are beads and trinkets tossed from krewe members riding floats to parade-goers. Common throws include beads, doubloons, stuffed animals, plastic cups and small toys.

Where do New Orleans Mardi Gras parades take place? 

Mardi Gras parades wind through various neighborhoods in New Orleans, with major routes along St. Charles Avenue, Canal Street and through the French Quarter. 

Do I need to buy tickets to watch Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans? 

Most parades are free to watch from public sidewalks, but some premium spots (like private balconies) may require tickets.

How can I stay safe during Mardi Gras in New Orleans? 

Stay hydrated, be mindful of your belongings and make sure your phone is charged. Bring a power bank or portable charger to recharge your phone as the day progresses. It's also wise to plan transportation in advance, as traffic can be heavy.

How do I get around New Orleans during Mardi Gras? 

Rideshare services are available, but expect surge pricing during peak times, especially after parades. Depending on your location, biking or walking is a convenient option. If you are driving, arrive early to the parade route to secure public parking or to pay for a spot in a lot or garage.

Mardi Gras Celebrations Outside of New Orleans

Check out festivities right outside of New Orleans. The all-female Krewe of Isis in Kenner is Jefferson Parish’s oldest and longest continuously parading organization. In Metairie, the Krewe of Argus is family-friendly, welcoming men, women and children to participate in their celebration. And The Knights of Nemesis pleases spectators in Chalmette.

And there's more! Parades and events take place all over Louisiana. Learn more about Mardi Gras celebrations in South Louisiana, North Louisiana and Central Louisiana.