Explore Carnival terminology, traditions, Krewes, and Auxiliary Groups together in one living museum index.
Search or browse Carnival Encyclopedia articles in one alphabetical catalog.
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…
Explore the termThe first day of Lent, and the day after Mardi Gras Day.
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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.
Explore the termA social organization dedicated to Carnival celebrations.
Explore the termVisual performance unit accompanying a marching band.
Explore the termTraditional rural Mardi Gras celebration of Cajun Louisiana.
Explore the termThis 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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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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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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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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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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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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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,…
Explore the termThe assistant executive leader of a Carnival organization.
Explore the termThe ceremonial rulers and royal court of a Carnival organization.
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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…
Explore the termCultural groups preserving one of New Orleans' most distinctive Carnival traditions.
Explore the termA 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.
Explore the termRefers 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.…
Explore the termA Carnival organization that does not conduct a public parade.
Explore the termA historic Carnival organization dating to the nineteenth century.
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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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Illustrations of a Krewe's parade floats published in the newspaper, typically the morning of the parade.
Explore the termThe officially designated course traveled by a Carnival parade.
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Reserved seating for honored guests during a parade.
Explore the termHistoric King of Carnival and one of New Orleans' most influential krewes.
Explore the termrefers 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…
Explore the termSignature 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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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…
Explore the termCommunity-based organizations preserving cultural traditions.
Explore the termTraditional March 19 celebration featuring Mardi Gras Indians.
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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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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…
Explore the termA krewe that utilizes truck floats instead of custom-built floats.
Explore the termA parade whose participants walk instead of riding floats.
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