Mardi Gras in New Orleans: The Top Five Parades

Mardi Gras in New Orleans wouldn't be the same without parades. The parade organizations, known as Krewes, roll nearly every night during Carnival season. It's likely you won't be able to catch every parade, most people don't, but there are five worth making the time for each year.

Mardi Gras in New Orleans: Five Parades to See

The Muses

The Muses roll on the Wednesday or Thursday night before Mardi Gras. The Krewe's floats are always satirical in nature and often represent the funnier side to the plight of being a woman. The muses are an all female Krewe and they throw feminine beads and throws; the best of which being the hand designed cups and the shoes. Each year the Muses select a local student's design for their cups. The shoes are the height of the parade throws and are also handmade- covered in sequins, fur, rhinestones and glitter.

Krewe of Bacchus

The Krewe of Bacchus rolls the Sunday night before Mardi Gras. Owen Brennan Jr., son of the founder of Brennan's Restaurant, founded the Krewe of Bacchus to revamp Mardi Gras in New Orleans. He wanted something that would appeal to both tourists and locals alike. The result was the "super floats" used by the Krewe in every parade. These larger-than-life floats are animated and highly-detailed. Each year, Bacchus selects a celebrity king to ride in their parade. Past kings include Charlton Heston, Dick Clark, Val Kilmer and Harry Connick Jr.

Krewe of Orpheus

The Krewe of Orpheus rolls on Lundi Gras, the night before Mardi Gras, every year. Despite being one of the newest Krewes in New Orleans, Orpheus has one of the largest parades. The floats, designed by Blaine Kern, are large, colorful and detailed. The Krewe of Orpheus parade ends inside the New Orleans Convention Center, where the Krewe hosts a large party every year.

Rex

Rex is the second parade to roll on Mardi Gras. Rex is one of the oldest Krewes, dating back to the 1890s, and the only "Super Krewe" to roll during the daytime. Rex created many of the traditions surrounding Mardi Gras in New Orleans, including choosing the colors purple, green and gold. The Krewe's floats are also steeped in tradition, many still sitting on top of old wagons.

Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club

Zulu is the first parade to roll on the morning of Mardi Gras. Zulu is almost as old as Rex, formed in the early 1900s. Despite the early hour and often cold temperatures, most locals and tourists alike attend the Zulu parade every year in hopes of catching a coconut. These coconuts are drained and hand painted by members of Zulu. Due to a city ordinance, riders can no longer throw the golden nuggets into the crowd and must hand them to spectators, making them harder to get.

Krewe of Muses, Mardi Gras Parade Schedule.
Krewe of Bacchus, Mardi Gras Parade Schedule.
Krewe of Orpheus, Mardi Gras Parade Schedule.
Rex, King of Carnival, Mardi Gras Parade Schedule.
Krewe of Zulu, Mardi Gras Parade Schedule.