party host 411 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| DON'T FORGET TO TAKE PICTURES OF YOUR GUESTS! ANY TIME YOU ASK A GUEST TO DRESS IN COSTUME - YOU BETTER BE PREPARED TO TAKE PICTURES! |
 |
|
| Traditional Mardi Gras Krewes Krewe of ZULU The Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club -- has interesting history and "golden nugget" (coconut) parade throws. Mardi Gras Indians They wear beautiful beaded and feathered costumes they hand design throughout the entire year! Krewe of Bacchus Krewe of Bacchus features national celebrity monarchs each year, and a crowd of over a hundred thousand. Krewe of Rex This Krewe is a classic Mardi Gras parade feature and gave way to the colors of purple, green and gold, as well as the collectible doubloon coins (first thrown by Rex in 1960). Krewe of Endymion Began in 1974 and included many celebrity guests. Krewe of Cleopatra In 1972, this Krewe took its name after the historical Queen of Egypt and is the first all-lady organization. Krewe of Elks Orleans More than 50 unique truck floats parading after Rex down St. Charles Ave. Krewe of Orpheus Known as a super Krewe and established in 1994 with a record 700 riders! Krewe of Proteus Founded in 1882 and its first parade theme was Egyptian mythology. This is the second oldest Krewe of the New Orleans Mardi Gras season. Krewe of Mid City Founded in 1933, the Krewe of Mid-City is the 5th oldest Krewe of the New Orleans Mardi Gras season. Krewe of Thoth Founded in 1947, this Krewe is named after the Egyptian Patron of Wisdom and the Inventor of Science, Art and Letters. Krewe of Okeanos In 1949, this Krewe's name was inspired by the Greek god of oceans and fertile valleys. Krewe of Crescent City Created in 1947, this parade Krewe sports 3,000 male and female riders. Krewe of Tucks Founded in 1969, the Krewe of Tucks has been a crowd favorite for nearly 40 years. Known for their awesome throws! Krewe of Caesar Founded in 1979 and named after an actual person rather than a mythical being! Krewe du Vieux Founded in 1987, this Krewe prides itself with hand-made mule-drawn floats. Krewe of Little Rascals Founded in 1983, this is the best and most extravagant children's Mardi Gras Krewe in Carnival history. Krewe of Oshun Founded in 1996, this crew got its name from the Yoruba goddess of love and intimacy. Krewe of Excalibur Founded in 2000, Excalibur was named after the legendary sword of King Arthur. Krewe of Pygmalion Founded in 2000, a Greek legend of a Cypress King was the inspiration for this Krewe. Krewe of Pontchartrain This Krewe was organized in 1975 and is named after Lake Pontchartrain. Krewe of Shangri-La The Krewe is named after the mythical Eden-like land called "Shangri-La" in the Himalayan mountains. Krewe of Sparta Founded in 1952, Krewe of Sparta takes its name from Sparta in southern Greece Krewe of Pegasus Founded in 1957, Krewe of Pegasus is named for the winged horse of Greek mythology Krewe of Gladiators Founded in 1973, this Krewe snagged their name from the Roman warriors. Krewe of Alla Founded in 1932, this all-male Krewe is one of the largest krewes Krewe of Carrollton Founded in 1924 by a group of local businessmen, this Krewe is the most punctual Krewe there is! Krewe of King Arthur & Merlin Founded in 1977, King Arthur parades on New Orleans' Uptown route. Krewe of Barkus The Krewe of Barkus is the only Mardi Gras krewe in New Orleans that's dog worthy Krewe of Nemesis This Krewe was named after the goddess of retribution in the Greek mythology. Krewe of Rhea Founded in 1969, the Krewe of Rhea is named for Rhea, the daughter of Uranus and the mother of Zeus Krewe of Centurions Founded in 1979, this all-male organization was named after legendary Roman warriors - Centurians were leaders of men. Krewe of Ancient Druids Established in 1998, this Krewe is a priest class of ancient Celtic societies who connected their people with the gods and nature. Knights of Babylon Founded in 1939, this crew has not changed its float design for over 60 years. Knights of Chaos Organized in 2000, the Krewe of Chaos is formed by 200 male riders. Krewe of Cork Founded in 2000, the Krewe of Cork has grown into a world famous Mardi Gras and wine industry spectacle Krewe of Muses Organized in 2000, the Krewe of Muses is named for the daughters of Zeus and patrons of the arts and sciences. Krewe of Hermes Founded in 1937, the Knights of Hermes take their name from the Greek mythos of the winged courier of the gods. Krewe d'Etat Founded in 1996 as as a superior Krewe and has numerous floats with many riders. Krewe of Aquila Latin for Eagle and has some of the most beautiful court costumes in Mardi Gras. Knights of Jason Founded in 1965 as Kenner's only parading organization, the Knights of Jason became silent by 1974. Krewe of Morpheus Established in 2000, this Krewe is named for the Greek god of dreams. Krewe of Isis Founded in 1973, the all female Krewe of Isis first started parading in Kenner Krewe of Iris Founded in 1917, but started parading in 1959 and is the largest all female Krewe in New Orleans. Krewe of NOMTOC Founded in 1951, this Krewe (New Orleans Most Talked Of Club) began parading in Orleans Parish in 1971. Mystic Knights of Adonis Founded in 1999, The Mystic Knights of Adonis shares only a similarity in name to The Mystic Krewe of Adonis which paraded in Orleans Parish during the 1950's. Corps de Napoleon Founded in 1980, The Corps de Napoleon honors Louisiana's French history by taking its name from France's greatest hero, Napoleon. Krewe of Zeus Founded in 1958, this Krewe holds nightime parades in the suburbs of Jefferson Parish where it's the oldest parading organization. Krewe of Argus Founded in 1972, The Krewe of Argus takes its name from the Greek God, Argus, the all-seeing with one hundred eyes. Krewe of Elks-Jeffersonians Founded in 1974, The Krewe of Elks-Jeffersonians is sponsored by the Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks, a worldwide fraternal society dedicated to charity and volunteers Krewe of Jefferson Founded in 1972, this Krewe is the last truck parade in Jefferson Parish. Krewe of Grela Founded in 1947, this Krewe is named for where the parade passes through, Gretna, LA. Krewe of Bes This Krewe follows Grela's parade route through Gretna, LA. Krewe of Choctaw Founded in 1935, but their first parade ran in 1939. Took them a while to get everything together and ready to go. |
| Mardi Gras Dictionary CAJUN The nick name given to the descendents of the Acadians and Acadian culture. They are French settlers that were forced out of Nova Scotia by the British and resettled in southern Louisiana in the bayous. CAPTAIN The leader of each Carnival organization (krewe). However, some Krewes elect a board and a president and do not have a Captain. CARNIVAL The Mardi Gras season that commences on January 6th (the Twelfth Night) and ends at midnight on Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras). This season leads up to Lent (fasting). COURT (Royal Court) The King, Queen, Maids and Dukes of a Carnival Organization. DEN A large warehouse where floats are built and stored. DOUBLOONS Toy plastic or metal coins bearing the Krewe’s insignia on one side and the parade theme on the other. First introduced by Rex in 1960. FAT TUESDAY Also known by the Christian calendar as Shrove Tuesday and is the last day before Lent. It is a day of merry-making and carnival - marking the climax of the carnival period. FLAMBEAUX Naphtha-fueled torches held by revelers that traditionally were the only source of nighttime illumination. INVITATION A formal printed request for attendance at a Carnival Ball. In the 19th century, these were die-cut and printed in Paris. They are not transferable to another person and it is improper etiquette to refer to them as ‘tickets.’ JOE CAIN PROCESSION Annual event held the Sunday before Fat Tuesday in observance for the person who revived the Carnival season, Joe Cain (from Mobile, Alabama). KING CAKE An oval pastry containing a small, plastic toy baby hidden inside. The person that has the plastic doll in their slice of cake is crowned as the ‘King’ and buys the next cake and throws the next party the following year. KING’S DAY January 6th - also called the Feast of the Epiphany. On this day, King Cake parties are traditionally held. This day commences the Carnival season. KING REX In New Orleans, Rex is known as the ‘King of Carnival.’ Rex is chosen by a committee of the Rex Organization. The local New Orleans’s news media will disclose Rex’s identity on Fat Tuesday. KING ZULU In New Orleans, King Zulu kicks off the Carnival parade celebration on Mardi Gras day. ‘Zulu,’ meaning the wisest, is one of the seven characters of the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club. KREWE The general term for all Carnival organizations in New Orleans. First used by the Mystic (Mistick) Krewe of Comus - the first Carnival organization in New Orleans in 1857. MARDI GRAS This is French for Fat Tuesday. MARDI GRAS INDIANS In 19th century tradition, groups of African American men in New Orleans that portray American Indians in magnificent hand beaded and feathered costumes. MARSHAL A masked (and costumed) mystic society member who rides on horseback in the parade to keep the pace of the parade and prevent any gaps in between floats. Marshals also toss throws from their saddle bags. MASKER Mystic society member appearing in a mask and costume on a parade float. These riders have the requirement by their respective organizations’ bylaws to remain masked while on the float to help the revelers who line the parade route. These riders toss throws from the floats. MYSTIC SOCIETY A secret organization that sponsors parades, parties, balls and other festivities for its members and their guests. Membership was traditionally kept secret. PAGE Young male servant or attendant for the King and / or Queen. PARADE A Carnival/Mardi Gras parade involves maskers riding the floats that travel via standardized and traditional routes. They include decorated floats, marching bands and the float riders (krewe members) that toss beads, cups, and other small toys to the onlookers. Each parade will have its own theme with more than a dozen or more floats unifying the theme but portraying an individual piece of the story. Bands typically march in between floats as well as the rest of the parade unit consisting of dance teams, parade marshals, flambeaux carriers, flag corps, local celebrities and the grand marshals. PASS A GOOD TIME Cajun for ‘having fun.’ QUEEN A character of the Carnival Krewe usually selected by a Krewe’s Captain and /or the members of a Krewe or via a self nomination and vote by the Board of Directors - depending on the organization’s hierarchy. She serves beside the King (in Co-Ed Krewes) as the ruling mythical monarchs of the make believe kingdom which is home to the namesake of the Krewe. She will reign over a parade, a bal masque, or both. REVELER A festive merrymaker who participates in the period of Carnival by participating in balls, parades and parties. A reveler is more than a spectator; they are actual participants in the festivities. ROYALTY Some Carnival Krewes select royalty each year. Mostly members of their respective organizations. The crew Bacchus, a more modern crew, elects a celebrity as their respective royalty (King). TABLEAU BALL A masquerade ball including an elaborate production of scenes, skits and dances linked to an underlying theme. Often performed by Krewe members. THEME A cohesive story or idea portrayed by the floats in the parades as well as the costumes of the float riders. Each parade has a theme and each mystic society reveals a new themed parade each year. The themes are typically mythical, historical, literary, geographical, or from pop culture. THROWS Inexpensive toys and knick knacks tossed from costumed float riders during the parade. The most popular ones are doubloons, beads and plastic cups. “THROW ME SOMETHING, MISTER” Traditional call by a spectator wanting throws from the maskers on the parade float. ZULU COCONUT ‘The golden nugget’ of all Mardi Gras throws of the parades. It is a coconut that is hand decorated by a member of the Zulu Krewe. This is the hardest throw to acquire and should be considered a prize possession. ZULU PARADE The oldest African American parading club that began in 1909. They have the tradition of being first to hit the streets on Mardi Gras day and are traditionally late. |
Hosting or Attending a Mardi Gras party?
It is the party of the year in old New Orleans! but
Mardi Gras is celebrated all over the world! It's
time to enjoy life, party, and have a great time!
Mardi Gras 2011 is on Tuesday, March 8. Mardi
Gras, “Fat Tuesday”, is the last day of the
Carnival season and it always the day before Ash
Wednesday, the first day of Lent.
Create a Mardi Gras ambiance with a New
Orleans jazz mix CD playing softly, Mardi Gras
decor, and a picture slide show of your friends if
there is a television in the party room.
Mardi Gras is celebrated all over the world! It's
time to enjoy life, party, and have a great time!
Mardi Gras 2011 is on Tuesday, March 8. Mardi
Gras, “Fat Tuesday”, is the last day of the
Carnival season and it always the day before Ash
Wednesday, the first day of Lent.
Create a Mardi Gras ambiance with a New
Orleans jazz mix CD playing softly, Mardi Gras
decor, and a picture slide show of your friends if
there is a television in the party room.
| Author's Murder Mystery Party Choice: |
