Mardi Gras in New Orleans

As more French inhabited New Orleans during the 1700s, they eventually ruled the city. Masked balls and parties, privately held, are claimed to have began as far back as 1718. However, the Spanish would later claim the land and all customs were banned. Soon after, in 1803, the U.S. flag flew in New Orleans. But festivals remained off limits for 20 years until the Creole influence convinced Governor Thomas Bolling Robinson to allow masked balls. Four years later, in 1827, Governor Henry S. Johnson legalized street masking.

In 1837, the first documented parade took place. But in upcoming years, violence would be the centerpiece of most Mardi Gras celebrations and the local press demanded that the parties be banned once again.

But the establishment of krewes (organizations) began in New Orleans. The first, in 1857, was the Mystick Krewe of Comus and comprised of six men. Their objective was to make Mardi Gras celebrations safe, but still festive and attractive, through management, planning and organization. Krewes were private clubs that were not open for the public to join.

The Mardi Gras returned after the end of the Civil War. In 1872, Alexis Romanoff, Grand Duke of Russia, arrived in New Orleans. Since America didn't have royalty to welcome Romanoff, the Krewe of Rex was formed, primarily to entertain the Duke. They devised their own 'King' for the carnival that day and thus welcomed the Grand Duke to the States. Since then, 'King of Carnival' has become a permanent fixture to Mardi Gras.

That year, purple, gold, and green were also introduced as the official colors of Mardi Gras. They would represent justice (purple), faith (gold) and power (green). Over the years, several krewes and themed parades would come and go. Some would even resurface.

In the 1970s, parading in the French Quarter became illegal after 117 years. In 1991, the city would introduce anti-discriminatory legislation into its parades. Eventually, many long standing krewes would dissolve until new clubs were created and are open to the public for membership.

This year, 48 different parades will take place in three different locations throughout New Orleans.

Krewes and Clubs (firsts and facts)
-1857, the first krewe was the Mystick Krewe
-1894, the first black krewe was the Original Illinois Club
-1896, the first female krewe was Les Mysertieuses
-1949, Louis Armstrong was appointed King of the Zulu parade
-1950, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor visit New Orleans
-1961, the Half-Fast Walking Club was founded by Pete Fountain