The parades—or more locally known as krewes—are listed as the most common ways to celebrate. In fact, there are many krewes that star in the celebrations, each with their own unique historical significance. This makes Mardi Gras in New Orleans a historical celebration, just as much as pure entertainment.
Here are 5 of the top krewes (or parades) to see.
#1 Rex
If you ask any of the locals which parade takes precedence in New Orleans, they will likely name the Rex parade. The Rex Organization was founded in 1872 for the sole purpose of bringing more order to the rambunctious parades that had come to take over New Orleans. The Rex is responsible for donning the flamboyant regalia of a pseudo-king in the traditional Rex colors of purple, gold and green. Complete with the Rex parade, is an elegant Rex ball that draws equally tantalizing attention throughout the Mardi Gras celebrations. If you can’t snag a coveted invitation, then you can view the ball as it is streamed live on local television.
#2 Orpheus
The Krewe of Orpheus is the newest parade to hit New Orleans. Harry Connick Jr. and his father founded the parade in 1993 in order to honor the Greek mortal Orpheus, who was known for his powerful musical talents. His musical talents, it is said, could calm the world over, and overcome any task at hand. In a twisted love story where Orpheus ironically loses the love of his life after using his music to save her, his name has become synonymous with music. The benefit as a parade-goer is that it takes place on Lundi Gras, or the Monday before Mardi Gras, allowing you the opportunity to attend it, as well as a traditionally held Tuesday parade.
#3 Bacchus
The Krewe of Bacchus is most notably the party parade, as the name itself honors the Roman god of wine. It was the first krewe to introduce celebrity riders in the parade, and recently invited the fictional and egregiously flamboyant character Ron Burgendy to host the event. The Bacchus also is known for its over-the-top floats, including the Bacchasaurus (a giant dinosaur), the Baccawhoppa (a large whale) and the more recent addition of the Baccamore, a love-themed boat. The parade is traditionally held the Sunday evening before Mardi Gras, drawing massive crowds, and even grander participation of over 1,400 members each year.
#4 Thoth
Another parade that is held on the Sunday before Mardi Gras is the Krewe of Thoth. The parade is the only one to maneuver the more narrow streets of New Orleans, as is true to tradition, in order to pass by the institutions that house the elderly and ill person that would otherwise miss out on most of the parades in town. Though originally created in order to bring the festivities to those that couldn’t easily attend, the Krewe of Thoth has grown into one of the biggest attractions in the weeklong Mardi Gras celebration.
#5 Endymion
Perhaps the largest and most popular Krewe of all is the Krewe of Endymion. It is notoriously the parade with bragging rights for bringing the most enviable celebrities in to lead as honorary grand marshals. The parade is held the Saturday before Mardi Gras, and following the parade is the Endymion Extravaganza which, this year, will have Pitbull and Steven Tyler as the entertainment. For obvious reasons this is said to be the highlight of Mardi Gras 2016.
Though Mardi Gras literally translates as “Fat Tuesday” and is centered around the beginning of Lent, a time of fasting before the Christian holiday of Easter, Mardi Gras celebrations have expanded far beyond the single day. In New Orleans, in particular, Mardi Gras has developed an identity on its own, drawing thousands of people each year. It is a spectacle, to be sure, and if you absolutely have to choose only five parades to attend this year, then these five will surely show you the best of Mardi Gras.
Fischer Pest Control is proud to be a part of the local New Orleans community for more than 50 years. We hope to find this guide helpful and we’ll see you out at the parades in the metro area!
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