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 from the French work “flambé”, meaning flame.

Flambeaux first came into existance with the Mystic Krewe of Comus in 1857 to light the way before electric street lights existed.