Carnival Knowledge, Preserved
A–ZMuseum Index
Carnival Encyclopedia
Explore Carnival terminology, traditions, Krewes, and Auxiliary Groups together in one living museum index.
141Topics
129Krewes
28Auxiliary Groups
298Catalog Entries
A–Z Museum Index
Topics & Organizations
Search or browse Encyclopedia articles, Krewes, and Auxiliary Groups together in one alphabetical catalog.
Encyclopedia Topic
Krewe
Auxiliary Group
#3 entries
Auxiliary Group
610 Stompers
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Auxiliary Group
689 Swampers
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A11 entries
Auxiliary Group
The Alter Ego Steppers
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Auxiliary Group
Amelia Earhawts
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Encyclopedia Topic
Arthur Hardy
Arthur Hardy is a long time Carnival historian in New Orleans. For many years, he produced a Mardi Gras guide, which included facts about parades, schedules, maps, articles about Carnival, and advertisements which highlight the…
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Ash Wednesday
The first day of Lent, and the day after Mardi Gras Day.
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Auxiliary Group
Bad Moms That Dance
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Auxiliary Group
Baton Rouge Beign-Yays
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Auxiliary Group
Bionic Babes, Dancers of Hope
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Krewe
Krewe of Bosom Buddies & Breast Friends
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C33 entries
Encyclopedia Topic
Carnival
Carnival is the annual season of celebration beginning on Twelfth Night and ending on Mardi Gras Day. Often the term Mardi Gras is improperly interchanged for Carnival.
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Carnival Club
A social organization dedicated to Carnival celebrations.
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Music & Performance
Color Guard
Visual performance unit accompanying a marching band.
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Courir de Mardi Gras
Traditional rural Mardi Gras celebration of Cajun Louisiana.
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Auxiliary Group
Dance Connection
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Encyclopedia Topic
Decorating Party
This is a get together of members of a Krewe, riders from a particular float, or general riders from various Krewes to decorate their signature throws. These get togethers allow for fellowship, team building, inspiration,…
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Auxiliary Group
Disco Amigos
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Auxiliary Group
Krewe of Dolly
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Throws and Collectibles
Doubloon
A doubloon is a coin, typically made of aluminum, thrown during parades. They often are emblazoned on both sides, depicting a Krewe's logo and theme for the year. Doubloons are commonly made with a particular…
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E5 entries
F18 entries
Parades and Processions
flambeaux
Flambeaux are people who carry long torches, which light the way for float precessions. Flambeaux often will perform dances while twirling their torches for the crowds, graciously accepting tips along the way. The word derives…
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Encyclopedia Topic
Float
Floats are decorated trailers or barges decorated in a common theme for a parade. Carnival Floats will often be decorated with papier mache flowers, props, and painted to coordinate with the theme. There are several…
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Auxiliary Group
Green & Yellow Motorcycle Unit
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H4 entries
I5 entries
Krewe
Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus
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J5 entries
Auxiliary Group
The Jamettes
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K18 entries
Encyclopedia Topic
King Cake
King Cake, also known as a three kings cake or a baby cake, is a cake associated in many countries with the Epiphany, the celebration of the Twelfth Night after Christmas. Traditionally made with brioche dough, and covered in purple, green and gold sugar and icing.…
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Encyclopedia Topic
Kings Day
Kings Day, also referred to as the Epiphany, or 12th Night is the first day or the Carnival season. Traditionally, this is the first day which king cake bakeries sell their king cakes. Several Krewes…
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Encyclopedia Topic
Krewe
A krewe (/kruː/ KROO) is a social organization that stages parades and balls for the Carnival season. The term is best known for its association with Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans, but is also used in other Carnival celebrations throughout Louisiana (e.g., in Lafayette, Shreveport, and Baton Rouge) and along the Gulf of Mexico,…
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Krewe Co-Captain
The assistant executive leader of a Carnival organization.
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Krewe Royalty
The ceremonial rulers and royal court of a Carnival organization.
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M32 entries
Auxiliary Group
Mande Milkshakers
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Encyclopedia Topic
Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras, or "Fat Tuesday," is the final day of Carnival before Lent. Parades including Rex, Zulu, and Argus roll on that day. The day of parades culminate in truck float parades. Carnival officially ends…
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Mardi Gras Indians
Cultural groups preserving one of New Orleans' most distinctive Carnival traditions.
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Mardi Gras Place
A business or gathering spot where like minded Carnival Enthusiasts can come together to discuss Carnival, parades, throws, throw decorating tips, costume making, and get to meet fellow enthusiasts.
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Auxiliary Group
Muff-a-Lottas
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N14 entries
Auxiliary Group
Nautical Gals
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Parades and Processions
neutral ground side
Refers to the side of the parade that you catch on. Neutral Ground side typically refers to being on the median side of the parade. In Orleans Parish parades, this is typically the drivers side.…
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Auxiliary Group
NOLA Bombshells
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Auxiliary Group
NOLA Showgirls
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Krewes
Non-Parading Krewe
A Carnival organization that does not conduct a public parade.
Explore the termO11 entries
P25 entries
Encyclopedia Topic
Parade
A procession of a Krewe's members to celebrate the Krewe's past year. Often, its members are riding on floats, but there are many Krewes which host walking parades. Typically in the Carnival season, paraders will…
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Encyclopedia Topic
Parade Bulletin
Illustrations of a Krewe's parade floats published in the newspaper, typically the morning of the parade.
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Parade Route
The officially designated course traveled by a Carnival parade.
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Auxiliary Group
The Pussyfooters
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Q2 entries
R10 entries
Parade Operations
Reviewing Stand
Reserved seating for honored guests during a parade.
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Historic Krewes
Rex
Historic King of Carnival and one of New Orleans' most influential krewes.
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Auxiliary Group
Krewe of Rolling Elvi
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S20 entries
Parades and Processions
Sidewalk side
refers to the side of the parade that you are watching or riding on. You will be standing on the same side as the sidewalks. In Orleans Parish parades, this typically means you will be…
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Signature Float
Signature floats are special floats that are seen in a Krewe's parade each year. Several Krewes have multiple signature floats, like the Krewe of Bacchus which has more than 10 signature floats, or the Krewe…
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Throws and Collectibles
signature throw
A signature throw is typicqally a hand decorated throw created by the riders of a particular krewe or group. It will often be decorated using paint, glitter, ribbons, gemstones, and small appliques. Their riders are…
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Auxiliary Group
Slidell Synch
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Organizations
Social Aid & Pleasure Club
Community-based organizations preserving cultural traditions.
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St Bernard Irish Italian Islenos Parade
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Traditions
St. Joseph’s Night
Traditional March 19 celebration featuring Mardi Gras Indians.
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Auxiliary Group
Streetcar Strutters
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T15 entries
Encyclopedia Topic
Tandem Float
Tandem floats are multiple floats trained together with a common theme. Some tandem floats are only 2 floats together, while some are several floats trained together. Popular examples of tandem floats include Smoky Mary in…
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Encyclopedia Topic
Throw Dat!
A popular Mardi Gras Place located in Westwego, LA, which sells throws, crafting products, hosts decorating parties for local Krewes and riders, decorating classes, and more. You can learn more about Throw Dat! at their…
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Organizations
Truck Float Organization
A krewe that utilizes truck floats instead of custom-built floats.
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V1 entry
W4 entries
Parade Types
Walking Parade
A parade whose participants walk instead of riding floats.
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