In the last decade, a proliferation of dance/marching krewes have become almost as synonymous with Mardi Gras as floats and marching bands are.
While most of these krewes carter to more adult sensibilities, New Orleans history, or pop culture, several aim to promote body positivity, sisterhood, and recycling.
Funfettis
Founded in 2019, the Funfettis dance troupe brings together women of all ages, ethnicities, body types, and ability levels to add some creative flair. Hailing from the Northshore, but have paraded in Metairie and New Orleans, the krewe loves to “sprinkle kindness and good deeds around like confetti by supporting local charities and volunteering.”
Bayou Babes of New Orleans
The Bayou Babes of New Orleans is an inclusive, gender fluid marching group that first appeared in 2016. Through its marching and philanthropic activities, the krewe embraces the diversity and uniqueness of New Orleans and invite “all those who have ever felt they were on the outside looking in to grab your firefly light and wings and join the fun.”
Les ReBelles NOLA
Through dance, the Les ReBelles NOLA celebrates the different eras when significant progress was made towards women’s rights. Aside from marching with Krewe Bohème for the first time with in 2019, the troupe also regularly performs at La Fête Française, the French Quarter Fest, and fundraisers for several schools.
Ritmeaux Krewe
Established in 2016, the Ritmeaux Krewe is the first ever Latin dance Mardi Gras marching group. Its namesake is a play on the Spanish word for rhythm (ritmo) with a Louisiana (French) lean.
The 689 Swampers
Founded in 2018, but made their first appearance in 2019 in New Orleans, The 689 Swampers could be the Cajun cousins of the better known 610 Stompers. The all-male dance group strut in cut-off jeans, neon-orange knee socks, shrimp boots, and camo hunting vests.
Trashformers
As the first ever interactive recycling marching krewe, the Trashformers collect waste as they parade. The krewe first marched with KreweDelusion in 2019 wearing eco-pun costumes and riding “Re-Cycle” shopping cart/bike hybrids, which they filled with aluminum cans and plastic bottles that they took by hand from the crowd.
What are your favorite parades to attend as a family? Let us know!
Sponsored by: Stuart Hall
Tim Meyer is the Managing Editor of Nola Family Magazine.
Check out Our Guide to Mardi Gras 2020 – top tips and planning tricks you do not want to miss!