On Lundi Gras evening, the famous Krewe of Orpheus paraded through Uptown New Orleans. Every year since its creation in 1993, The Krewe of Orpheus has had a Celebrity Monarch reigning over the Super Krewe during Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
The Krewe of Orpheus, got its name from the mortal Orpheus, son of the god Apollo and the muse Calliope. The story of Orpheus is about the power of music in both this world and the next. Legend has it that Apollo presented Orpheus with a lyre, which he played with perfection. His music inspired the most virtuous love and opened the hearts of all who heard it.
Founded in 1993 by a small group including Harry Connick, Jr., Harry Connick, Sr. and Captain Sonny Borey, the Krewe of Orpheus is a Mardi Gras organization open to both men and women of good character and spirited personality. It is nonexclusive and the most diverse krewe boasting 1,300 members from all walks of life.
As the parade stopped to do the ceremonial toast at Gallier Hall with Mayor LaToya Cantrell, the mayor saluted Harry Connick, Sr. who passed away in January as a respected member of the New Orleans community.
The Krewe of Orpheus has 1,500 riders and 42 floats. Orpheus chose the theme “Music of the Spheres” for 2024. The theme will bring together New Orleans music and the mystical nature of celestial bodies.
Notable floats include the Dolly Trolley, a horse-drawn bus that was used in the opening of Hello Dolly. Also, Smoking Mary, an eight-unit float designed to resemble a steam locomotive. And most notably the three-unit, 139-foot Orpheus Leviathan Float, the first Carnival float to use extensive fiber optic lighting.
The krewe’s signature throws included light-up Orpheus medallion beads, three different types of doubloons, four-foot-long stuffed dragons, and their prized throw, a custom decorated tambourine. The krewe also chose a flower of the year, this years’ being the daffodil, which was featured on some of their throws.
The parade rolls through every year on Lundi Gras and ends with the Orpheuscapade, a black-tie party that draws thousands of visitors who are excited to watch all the floats file into the convention center and enjoy the performances of world-renowned musicians.
Married couple Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka reigned as this year’s Celebrity Monarchs, riding on the floats and appearing at the Orpheuscapade. Musical guest Taylor Dayne also rode in the parade and performed at the Orpheuscapade party afterwards.
Hail Orpheus! We can’t wait to see what throws and floats they bring next Mardi Gras season.
Words by Emily Cigan @emily.cigan and Amy Harris @thetraveladdictig