Continuing their 24 years of Mardi Gras tradition was the Krewe of Cork, a Krewe dedicated to all things wine, food, and fun. The Krewe made their way down through the streets of the French Quarter in New Orleans this past Friday, bringing with them their usual wine themed throws and gleeful energy.
The day of their parade, which is always two Friday’s before Mardi Gras day, begins with a Bloody Mary Check-in street party in front of the Court of Two Sisters. All members show off their cork themed costumes to fellow Corkians, and check-in for the rest of the day’s activities. The members then enjoy a champagne and wine filled brunch at The Court of Two Sisters, followed by a grand parade through the French Quarter.
The parade is led each year by The Krewe’s King, Queen and Grand Marshal. Krewe members wear costumes with a wine-related theme, toss throws with their grape logo, and are accompanied by their very own wine police in golf carts whose motto is “To serve and pour.”
According to the Krewes King Patrick van Hoorebeck, if everyone’s glass is not full, they get a ticket from the wine police and cannot parade the next year.
The Krewe was founded in 2000 and began as just a group of fellow wine lovers who met up at The Bistro at Maison de Ville the first Friday of every month, coining the term TGICD (Thank God it’s Cork Day). As the years have gone on, the Krewe has gathered over 400 members who refer to themselves as Corkians. The Krewe of Cork members consist of local New Orleanians, as well as members from throughout the state of Louisiana, states throughout the country, and International members.
See the full 2024 Mardi Gras parade schedule here.
Words by Emily Cigan @emily.cigan and Amy Harris @thetraveladdictig