Legacy Of Strength & Sisterhood : 13 All-Female Mardi Gras Krewes

Celebrating the Power & Elegance of Women: 13 All-Female Mardi Gras Krewes of Louisiana

Women were regular behind-the-scenes participants but were never allowed to join a Mardi Gras Krewe. Throughout the history of Mardi Gras, the role of women's involvement was limited until the city's debutante events merged with the Mardi Gras scene and opened the door for Women to join court royalty, featured as queens in the grand Mardi Gras courts.

Eventually, women decided that they enjoyed the Mardi Gras scene so much that they wanted their more of a bond with each other. In the name of sisterhood, by 1917 the first all-female Mardi Gras Krewe emerged. Today there are 13 all-female Krewe's that emulate empowerment, tradition, and creativity. Below is the history of these iconic social club Mardi Gras groups.

Krewe of Iris (1917) The pioneers of all-female Mardi Gras Krewes! They are the oldest and biggest all-female Mardi Gras Krewe in the state. They have a whopping 3,400+ members. Though Iris didn't ride in a Mardi Gras parade until 1959, they made history as the first Krewe to have their Tableau Ball televised.

Krewe of Venus (1941) became the first all-female parade krewe to hit the streets. Their debut faced challenges, including rain and heckling, but the women carried on with style and resilience. When Mardi Gras returned after World War II, Venus was back, ready to claim its rightful place in Carnival tradition.

Krewe of Muses (2000) a Super Krewe with an open-membership policy. Known for their iconic hand-decorated Muses shoes, this krewe parades Uptown at night, bringing glitter and excitement to the Carnival season. Their immense popularity inspired the creation of the Mystic Krewe of Nyx, which now boasts more than 1,200 members and throws coveted purses during their parades.

Krewe of Nandi (2022) This Krewe champions empowerment with their motto: “Love Her, Cherish Her, Empower Her.” Their signature throw is a hand-decorated teacup.

Krewe of Themis (2020) With 300 members, this krewe is named after the Greek goddess of justice. Themis riders wear vibrant purple wigs and toss decorative second-line umbrellas.

Mystical Order of the Phoenix (2020) Like the Phoenix, this Krewe of sisterhood formed from the burning ashes of discontent w. Together they have a shared hope that a new, more inclusive, transparent, and vibrant Carnival organization could be realized and bring continued Sisterhood to a new level. Aligned with the Knights of Sparta, this krewe has 400 members and brings mystique to Mardi Gras.

Krewe of Harmonia (2020) Connects a diverse group of women from all backgrounds in an environment where they can fellowship and celebrate Carnival. With roughly 110 members, these women have built lifelong bonds and friendships. Krewe of Harmonia looks forward to adding some girl power to the Krewe of Pygmalion Parade

Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale (2013) This group of divas started with only 13 members, the Krewe of more than 1,400 women in over 26 states. These women who shine as a beacon of light to little girls and young adult women in their professions and communities we serve bejeweled mirror compacts.

Other notable all-female Louisiana Krewes include:

The Krewe of Helios
Krewe of Diana
The Krewe of Isis
Krewe of Pandora
Krewe of Eve, and Krewe of Athena.

These all-female Louisiana Mardi Gras Krewes represent the sign legacy of strength and Sisterhood. They serve as a testament to how women have transformed the Louisiana tradition with signature throws, to extravigent parades breaking through the norms of society.
From their dazzling parades to their meaningful signature throws. Louisiana’s all-female krewes celebrate the creativity, strength, and unity of women. This Carnival season remember these trailblazers in Mardi Gras history and Louisiana tradition.