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.

Mystic Krewe of Hermes

The Mystic Krewe of Hermes was the first of 3 parades to roll Uptown on the Friday before Fat Tuesday. They have  been parading longer than any other krewe that parades at night. Founded in 1937 by some businessmen who decided the best remedy for dealing with the post- Great Depression woe was to expand Mardi Gras to a 5 day party, the krewe now has almost 650 members.