Krewe of Endymion

Founded in 1966, Krewe of Endymion is a Super Krewe featuring over 3,000 riders and a 9 car, 365 foot long megafloat. Many of the vibrant floats are covered in thousands of lights – it’s Vegas on wheels. Jerry Springer made a return visit as Grand Marshal. His first ride was in 1998. It was chilly and windy but was a grand show worth shivering for. The royalty are particularly beautiful, so covered in bling and plumes they have to be held up by a chain from above. 

Endymion at Gallier Hall

This was my second year watching the Krewe of Endymion parade from the bleachers, this time – right in front of stately Gallier Hall with each float and band putting on a show for the Mayor. I was privy to all the pomp and ritual – the toasts with royalty and the smashing of champagne glasses. (I got to relive the moment standing next to Quentin Tarantino days later on his Orpheus float as he received his Key to the City, made his speech and smashed his glass).

Judging the Greasing of the Poles

Last year, I was asked to be a “Celebrity Pole Greaser” at the Royal Sonesta’s 43rd Greasing of the Poles to kick off Carnival weekend. The person who recommended me to the Sonesta was a fan of this blog and a member of the Pussyfooters – who performed with me that day. While we were lining up to go out to the crowd, another Pussyfooter suggested I should join their group. I’ve loved watching them since my first full Mardi Gras season in 2010. Just seeing their pink power dancing my way made me smile and made me proud of my own brand of pink-corset-and-combat-boots femininity.  

Endymion Parade from the Bleachers

Endymion, a super krewe, delivered a new topper to an already dazzling parade – a 9 car float honoring Pontchartrain Beach, a long-gone beach and amusement park where many locals spent their childhoods and even Elvis played a concert. I’ve attended the parade on Canal St. (only for tourists and the truly daring), on St. Charles when rain rescheduled it (which was more mellow), inside the Morial Convention Center when I attended the Endymion Ball (which rocked – catching beads in ball-gowns and tuxedoes!) and this year, for the first time, we watched from the bleachers near City Hall.

Mardi Gras Decorations (with a Django twist)

Though I love donating my Mardi Gras beads to Arc of Greater New Orleans and Stephan Wanger‘s Guinness-record-breaking mural, my favorite use of parade throws is decorating my home for the season. Though the NFL tried to create a “clean zone” where they could tell us what to decorate our houses with, what signs we could carry and what clothes we could wear (!!!) , the ACLU has stepped in to protect our right to party our way  (I, for one, will be wearing Saints gear every chance I get!). So, I’ve beaded my fence, wreathed my door and redecorated my Christmas tree as a Mardi Gras tree.

Krewe of Proteus

The Krewe of Proteus was the first parade to roll on the Monday before Fat Tuesday, Lundi Gras. Established in 1882, they are the second oldest parade of the Carnival season (Rex is oldest) and the oldest night parade. The gorgeous floats, designed by The Royal Artists, still sit atop the original 1880’s chassis. Named for the shepherd of the oceans as well as the son of Poseidon, the krewe’s theme this year was “The Prophetic Old-Man-of-the-Sea.” The King remains a secret to all but the 250 male riders on their 20 floats.

Krewe of Endymion

Usually, the Krewe of Endymion, a super-krewe with celebrity guests and tandem floats nearly as long as a city block, rolls Saturday night before Fat Tuesday. This year, due to rain, the Ball went on as scheduled but the parade was moved to Sunday. We’d been out on the sidewalk since after 11 am, seen 4 parades already, but when the route was changed to St. Charles rather than mid-City rolling down Canal, we found the energy to end the evening with the super-krewe double whammy of Bacchus and Endymion.

Endymion Extravaganza – My First Ball!

Endymion is what’s known as a “Super Krewe,” with celebrity guests, mountains of throws and tandem floats as long as a train. Normally, the Saturday parade rolls and finishes its route with a loop around the venue of its Extravaganza. This year, however, the parade was rescheduled for rain. But, that didn’t stop the Ball from going on as planned, parade and all.

Mardi Gras Decorating

Last year, I was introduced to the fabulous idea that I could redecorate my Christmas tree for Mardi Gras. This year, as I realized how long the Carnival season was going to run, I bought a fake tree in anticipation of my second annual Mardi Gras tree. The Saints fell out of the playoffs just before Twelfth Night, so I didn’t have to wonder when to redecorate my Who Dat wreath

Treme – Home for Mardi Gras

After a week of Treme withdrawal, the show returned with its Mardi Gras episode. Looks like the rumor the finale would take place at Mardi Gras must have been a misunderstanding, I’m guessing the finale takes place on St. Joseph’s Day, Super Sunday – the day of the almighty Mardi Gras Indians. I can’t wait!