Mystic Krewe of Hermes is the first of 3 parades that roll Friday night – and the Krewe that’s been rolling longest that night. In 1937, nearly a decade into the Great Depression, some local businessmen thought the best antidote for the blues was to expand Mardi Gras to a 5 day party. Judging from the size of the crowds, we still agree.
The satirical Le Krewe d’Etat’s motto is “Vivite ut Vehatis. Vehite ut Vevatis,” which mostly means, “Live to Ride. Ride to Live.” Rolling since 1998, the beautiful and irreverent floats by The Royal Artists feature skeletons as do their beads and throws. This year’s floats put a spotlight on everything from Mueller to millennials.
Every parade and party this year has made some sort of reference to the horrifying no-call that robbed the Saints of their Super Bowl opportunity. Many feature blind referees or yellow penalty flags – a popular throw this season. Of the many creative approaches to commentary, my favorite was in d’Etat. A group of dancers in referee stripes was trailed by a truck-banner reading, “Have you seen these thieves?” alongside photos of the game refs. A blind ref float followed full of masked riders in stripes.
The evening ended early for me with a slice of my favorite King Cake – Manny Randazzo’s. I hated to miss Morpheus, but I’ve been under the weather and will be parading with the Pussyfooters in Thoth Sunday after a day of attending parades Saturday. Next up – Krewes of Iris and Tucks!
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- Krewe of Hermes
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- blind ref
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- before the parades
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- before the parades
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- Mardi Gras tree in full bloom
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- Krewe of Hermes starts
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- Krewe of Hermes
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- Krewe of d’Etat
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- Krewe of d’Etat
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- Sirens
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- Sirens
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- blind refs
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- blind refs
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- blind refs
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- blind refs
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- Manny Randazzo King Cake
L.A. to N.O.LA 
1937 and stronger than ever!!
What a beautiful city. But even more so; New Orleans is a big family!
Yes. So blessed to be a part of it.