Let’s face it — not all Krewes are created equal.
If you’re a local who’s sick of baby beads, cheap stuffed animals whose species you can’t identify and five to six float long “processions” with few bands or any other music you can bob your head to, we dedicate this to you.
If you’re a Carnival virgin who wants to know the worthiest Krewes in town to give you that long fun-filled night you’ve been waiting for (complete with green, purple and yellow thongs, air-brushed T-shirts for you to wear in your spare time, and inappropriate plastic body parts in bead form), this is also for you.
And even if you already know your favorite Krewes and their routes, and just need the ever-changing times and dates in easily-read form, we’ve got you covered. So when you do attempt to laissez le bon temps rouler this Mardi Gras, you’ll do it among the Krewes worthy of your time and attention. Because we at The Maroon care about you, and if this Mardi Gras you have to spend time in a portable toilet, we want your toilet to be on the route of the best parade ever.
Jessica Williams can be reached at [email protected].
Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009
Krewe du Vieux 8:30 p.m.
French Quarter
HISTORY OF THE KREWE
The Krewe du Vieux was founded in 1987 from the ashes of the storied Krewe of Clones. This wild, satirical Carnival parade, which first marched in 1978, was based out of New Orleans’ Contemporary Arts Center.
FAMED THROWS, IF ANY
Not many signature throws, but the satrical float design, which much of the time mocks New Orleans politics, is definitely something to look forward to.
Friday, Feb. 13, 2009
Oshun, Pygmalion 8:30 p.m.
Uptown
HISTORY OF THE KREWE
Oshun: Founded in 1996, the Krewe of Oshun is named for the Yoruba goddess of love and intimacy. Pygmalion: Founded in 2000, Pygmalion takes its name from the Greek legend of a Cypress king named Pygmalion who sculpts a statue of the sea nymph Galatea.
FAMED THROWS, IF ANY
Neither krewe is well known for its unique throws, but parade-goers have caught fair-sized beads from both.
Saturday, Feb 14., 2009
Ponchartrain, 2 p.m.
Uptown
HISTORY OF THE KREWE
This Krewe, founded in 1975 and named after Lake Pontchartrain, is a co-ed parade with floats dubbed “Mr. Mubug” — a giant crawfish float — and a giant fish named “Super Grouper.”
FAMED THROWS, IF ANY
Nothing much to scream about, but the floats will make viewers smile.
Thursday, Feb. 19, 2009
Muses 6:15 p.m.
Uptown
HISTORY OF THE KREWE
Muses, the all-female parade founded in 2000, is inspired by the Greek Goddesses, the Muses. The Krewe honors a woman each year that they believe embody the spirit of one of the nine Muses— usually someone who has made a contribution to the community.
FAMED THROWS, IF ANY
Muses throws truly do embody female spirit — they throw girly items such as combs, mirrors, purses and even shoes that are spray painted and glittered, donned with the group’s name. Crowds fight to get a pair of the shoes, which are usually held as keepsakes.
Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009
Endymion, 4:15 p.m
Mid-City.
HISTORY OF THE KREWE
Named for the Olympian god of beauty and youth, the Krewe of Endymion is the largest parade of the Carnival season, with the first floats rolling from Mid-City at 4:15 p.m. and the last floats and bands rolling into the final destination, the Louisiana Superdome, as late as 11:30 p.m.
FAMED THROWS, IF ANY
Endymion’s famed beads with its signature youthful god emblazoned on the front are its signature throw, but the huge beads, umbrellas, t-shirts and oversized sunglasses that fly freely from its superfloats are the real prizes for the crowds. Endymion’s fame comes from its brightly lit floats, its celebrity grand marshal and the bands that come from all over the state to play in the long procession.
Sunday, Feb. 19, 2009
Bacchus, 5:15 p.m.
Uptown
HISTORY OF THE KREWE
The Krewe of Bacchus parade was founded in 1968 by New Orleans business leaders. Now, with more than 1,350 members and 33 animated super-floats, this krewe has made it’s mark on history.
FAMED THROWS, IF ANY
Not too many unique throws, but the bigger the better seems to be this Krewe’s motto in bead sizes. This Krewe also has a celebrity monarch, and tends to roll along it’s route well into the night. The second of the two super-krewes, Bacchus is definitely worth a look.
Fat Tuesday. Feb. 24, 2009
Zulu, Rex, Elks 8 a.m.
Mid-City
HISTORY OF THE KREWE
Zulu: This Krewe marched in Mardi Gras as early as 1901, but made their first appearance as Zulus in 1909, a name inspired by the African tribe of Zulu. Members paint their faces and wear grass skirts. Rex: Dubbed “King of Carnival,” Rex riders wear masks and top hats, and either ride horses or ride in drawn carriages. Elks: These are the truck parades put on by New Orleans families. Each truck has its own theme.
FAMED THROWS, IF ANY
Zulu: The few and precious Zulu coconuts take the cake among a host of throws, such as Zulu umbrellas, Zulu lingerie, and Zulu bats. Rex: Doubloons are the signature catch for Rex parade-goers. Elks: A gumbo mix of throws is what parade-goers can expect from these eager riders, so come prepared.
Zulu Parades
Endymion Parades
