Krewe of Orpheus

The Krewe of Orpheus is the last parade to roll before Fat Tuesday. Like Endymion and Bacchus, Orpheus is a super-krewe with giant floats, mountains of throws and celebrity guests. Founded in 1993 by Harry Connick Jr. and Sr. and theatrical director, Sonny Borey, the krewe accepts members of any race or gender. Named for the son of Apollo whose music enchanted everything in nature, the 27 Blaine Kern designed floats portrayed the theme of, “Visions of Other Worlds.” Celebrity guests included Jennifer Coolidge and Jonathan Silverman as well as a chunk of HBO’s Treme cast including Steve Zahn, NOLA native Wendell Pierce, Khandi Alexander, John Goodman, David Morse, Kim Dickens and many more.

Krewe of Okeanos

The Krewe of Okeanos was founded in 1949 by some Ninth Ward businessmen to bring a Carnival parade back to their neighborhood’s main drag, St. Claude Ave, though it now rolls Uptown. Named for the Greek God of oceans and lush valleys, the krewe has over 250 riders and rolled 19 floats depicting this year’s theme of “Children’s Fantasies.” The King was Garth Gilpin and the marshal was Vince Vance, whose moving song and video “I Am New Orleans,” marked the 5 year anniversary of Katrina.