Krewe of Iris, white masks and gloves!

Hello, festive folks! Karen Brem here, your guide to all things Mardi Gras from the heart of the French Quarter at the Historic Mardi Gras Inn. As the marketing director of this charming hideaway, I’ve got the inside scoop on the Krewe of Iris Parade, a gem in the carnival crown, set to dazzle us again on February 10, 2024. Buckle up, because we’re about to dive into a world of mystery, history, and some seriously unique throws!

 A Parade Steeped History

First, let’s time-travel to 1917, when the Krewe of Iris made its grand debut. Yes, that’s over a century of sisterhood and celebration! As the oldest and largest all-female Carnival organization for women, Iris has been leading the way in Mardi Gras history, empowering women to take center stage in an event traditionally dominated by men. Talk about girl power!

The Mystery of Iris

Now, let’s talk mystery. The approximately 3,600 members of Iris are like the superheroes of Mardi Gras. By day, they’re your everyday amazing women, but come parade time, they don their white gloves and masks, transforming into mysterious figures of Carnival lore. They maintain their anonymity with the same dedication they show in flinging those unique treasures to the crowds. And speaking of those treasures…

Catch of the Day: Unique Throws!

If you think Mardi Gras is just about beads, think again! The Krewe of Iris ups the ante with their one-of-a-kind throws. We’re talking hand-painted sunglasses (because who doesn’t need a little more color in their life?), adorable king cake babies (no, you can’t eat these), and iris-themed goodies (because it’s not just a name, folks). These treasures are so unique, you’ll want to catch them all. It’s like Pokémon, but with more glitter and less screen time.

Parade Details: Mark Your Calendars!

Get ready to set your alarms because the parade rolls out on Saturday, February 10, 2024, from 11 AM to 12 PM in Uptown/Carrollton. This is your chance to experience the magic of Mardi Gras with a historic, all-female flair. And, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good daytime parade? It’s the perfect excuse to start the festivities early!

Your Home Away From Home

Now, a little birdie (okay, it was a pelican) told me you might need a place to stay. While I can’t promise you a golden float or a royal scepter, what I can promise at the Historic Mardi Gras Inn is clean, affordable accommodations and a staff warmer than a fresh beignet. We’re all about that authentic New Orleans hospitality, minus the voodoo spells.

Join the Fun!

So, there you have it! The Krewe of Iris Parade is not just a parade; it’s a celebration of history, empowerment, and, of course, fun! Whether you’re catching those coveted throws or just soaking in the vibrant energy of New Orleans, remember to do it with a smile and maybe a pair of those hand-painted sunglasses.

As we say in the Big Easy, “Laissez les bon temps rouler” – let the good times roll! See you at the parade, and don’t forget to wave; I’ll be the one in the festive hat, trying to catch an extra pair of those fabulous sunglasses.

With love and glitter,

Karen Brem

Marketing Director, Historic Mardi Gras Inn

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