The TUMB returns to Lundi Gras, rolling in the Krewe of Orpheus!

According to Mardi Gras New Orleans, the Krewe of Orpheus, Founded in 1993, takes its name from Zeus and Calliope’s musically inclined son. Founding members include musician/actor Harry Connick, Jr. and his father, Harry Connick, Sr., former New Orleans district attorney. With their first parade in 1994, the krewe of 700 members established itself as a super krewe. They were the first super Krewe to allow both male and female riders.

The krewe’s throws include a number of sought-after items, including light-up Orpheus medallion beads, three different types of doubloons, and four-foot-long stuffed dragons.

Notable floats include the Dolly Trolley, the horse-drawn bus that was used in the opening of Hello Dolly with Barbra Streisand. There’s also the Smoking Mary, a six-unit float that looks like a steam locomotive. And everyone loves the three-unit, 139-foot Orpheus Leviathan Float, the first Carnival float to use extensive fiber optic lighting. 

Over the years, Orpheus monarchs have included Fats Domino, Quentin Tarantino, Sandra Bullock, Glenn Close, Whoopi Goldberg, Stevie Wonder, Laurence Fishburne, Forrest Whitaker, Brad Paisley, Anne Rice and Toby Keith.

Unlike many Carnival events which are members-only, visitors are allowed to buy tickets to the black-tie Orpheuscapade, a musical extravaganza after the parade in the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

For route and more info, visit kreweoforpheus.com