It’s a crisp Sunday afternoon on St.Charles Ave. The children sit atop their multicolored Mardi Gras ladders as beads swallow the street whole. Hands are in the hair, waving as if their lives depend on it. Laughter, screams, and songs bounce off the oak tree ceiling above. Characters fill the painted floats, dressed head to toe in costume. They hold the power. On their journey down St. Charles, through the vibrant streets of New Orleans, these characters are worshiped in hopes of rewards. What if I told you that these characters, who hold so much power (in the form of beads), could be you? Lainie Sauter, my close friend and King Arthur in disguise, was part of the King Arthur Krewe this weekend. After an insightful interview, I am confident that I am privy to all the details of being in these parades, and after this article, you will be too.
How does one have the privilege of being part of this long standing festive tradition? Well, it is quite simple: have around 800 to 2000 dollars. Lainie further debunked the myth of needing familial connections to join the Krewe. She explains that to be a princess or a queen or king, you need family connections and honor, but in terms of riding, you just need to pay for a spot in the Krewe. It is costly, though. All your throws, including beads, cups, and stuffed animals, come out of your pockets. She tells me that some beads are cheap, but some are super expensive (those heavy ones with giant beads cost 20 dollars each.) Each Krewe has its own symbolic throw. King Arthur’s were grails. Lainie and her cousins paid for these grails and decorations and decorated them themselves. In all, the throws and initiations fees add up. But if you have the money, you can be the next person up on top! Lainie informed me people on her float even came from New York just to cross this adventure off their bucket lists.
Following, she gave me the rundown on the famous fabulous Ball. This event is before the parade and is something like a 1900s gala. The girls wore lavish ball gowns, and the boys dressed up in suits. The Ball is located at a fancy hotel downtown, including dinner and, best of all, an open bar. The princesses of queens of the Krewe get presented at this Ball in a manner similar to debutante balls, Lainie informs me. She told me most Ball and Krewe attendees are in their 20s and 30s, keen on adventure, and able to celebrate all day. There are still children, but the parade day is very lengthy, so few of them. There is an extended drinking culture, as many celebrations include free drinks. Lainie expressed that everyone was talking to each other and having fun, and she got super close with everyone on her float.Â
At last, it finally arrived: the big parade day. I asked Lainie to break down her parade day. To start, she woke up at around five am, and by seven, they were at Generations Hall downtown eating breakfast, putting on costumes and masks, and socializing with the queen and the king. By 10:00, everyone loaded onto school buses and headed down to Tchopitoulous Street. They then frolicked along Magazine street for a while until the parade began. Lainie told me the parades are always delayed, sometimes by a considerable time. Nevertheless, as soon as you see people below, the rest of your day is just tossing beads and more at spectators.Â
To finish, I asked Lainie some technical questions regarding parades. She told me there are thankfully two bathrooms per float, and everyone brings coolers to keep themselves fed and hydrated. My most pressing questions regarded the infamous throws. I asked Lainie if she had any strategy when throwing beads. She told me her best strategy is locking eyes with your victim, and 8/10 times they will catch it. However, she said to me that more than once, she hit a baby in the face. By accident, of course!! Overall, being on the other side allowed Lainie to hold power and bring forth joy to others. Lainie told me her favorite part was the joyous look on the spectators’ faces when they caught her throws.
As Mardi Gras rolls onto St.Charles in the form of bright colors and celebration- remember to lock eyes with Krewe members, give them a wave, and most importantly, catch some beads!Â
About Aviva Blumenthal
Aviva is the Editor-in-Chief of The Crescent Magazine. She is currently a senior, double majoring in English and French, with a minor in Psychology on the pre-law track. In her free time, she enjoys creative writing, reading, hot yoga, and spending time with friends exploring New Orleans.
Aviva is the Editor-in-Chief of The Crescent Magazine. She is currently a senior, double majoring in English and French, with a minor in Psychology on the pre-law track. In her free time, she enjoys creative writing, reading, hot yoga, and spending time with friends exploring New Orleans.
