Krewes of Thoth & Bacchus Parades

After a weather rescheduling cancelled the bands and dancers from the Krewe of Muses parade, I couldn’t wait to dance with the Pussyfooters in the Krewe of Thoth parade. But Carnival had turned tragic again Saturday night with the second tandem-float-related death. To be honest, it was an odd day. I was grateful to be spending it with my pink-corseted sisters bringing smiles to thick crowds.

Founded in 1947, the Krewe of Thoth has a unique Uptown route designed to pass hospitals and other care facilities people have trouble leaving for a parade.

Krewe of Carrollton Parade with the Pussyfooters

Krewe of Carrollton is the 4th oldest Carnival parading organization after the Krewes of  Rex, Proteus, and Zulu. This is my 8th year dancing with the Pussyfooters, but only my 2nd year parading with the festive men of Carrollton. Thanks to this blog, I always walk around as the floats line up. Bands, walking krewes and dancers wait to join the procession when the parade rolls, and I enjoy the behind-the-scenes glimpses into the different groups and their subcultures.

Krewe of Iris

The Krewe of Iris is the oldest and largest all-female krewe. Founded in 1917, they began parading in 1959. Though it’s usually ladies first on Mardi Gras Saturday, imminent stormy weather pushed the larger Tuck’s parade first and Iris, unfortunately, into the storm. What started as drizzles crept into weather-garbed marching bands and ended with thunder and scattering crowds. BUT, it was fun while it lasted.

Knights of Babylon

The Knights of Babylon are a traditional Carnival Krewe founded in 1939 as the “Jesters Club.” Most floats during Mardi Gras are designed and built by either Blaine Kern or the Jahncke family’s Royal Artists, but Babylon uses the same designs they have for over 70 years. In an era where people lease cars, the krewe still owns and houses their floats.