Le Krewe d'Etat
Le Krewe d'Etat is a satirical New Orleans Mardi Gras krewe that was first organized in 1996, and held their inaugural parade in 1998. Prior to organizing their own parade, a member of the krewe known simply as Unknown Spokesman said the group had covertly infiltrated Pegasus with some floats of their own.[1] The krewe has historically paraded on the Friday prior to Fat Tuesday, immediately following Hermes. The parade route varies from year to year, but typically includes passage north on Napoleon Avenue, East/Northeast on St. Charles Avenue around Lee Circle, and finally West or East on Canal Street. The procession includes traditional floats, Lieutenants on horseback, and flambeaux carriers. In 2004, d'Etat had 21 floats and 415 riders.[2] Membership is open, but the krewe has elected to keep the organization small.[1]
The krewe eschews monarch, in favor of a figurehead known simply as "The Dictator," who's identity is held secret. The Dictator's court includes "court" includes the kingfish, the special man, the minister of misinformation, the keeper of the bones and the high priest.[1]
d'Etat's motto is "Vivite ut Vehatis. Vehite ut Vevatis," which roughly translates to “Live to Ride, Ride to Live.”[3]
The krewe decides a new theme for their parade annually ("raison d'etre"), and it, just like The Dictator's identity, remains confidential. The parade theme is intended to lampoon current events or politicians. Recent themes have included: "KDTV in Dictavision" (2007), "Tarot d'Etat" (2005), "Malice in Wonderland" (2004), "Tales Told by Idiots" (2003), "Rock Around d'Etat" (2002), "D'Etat.com" (2001), "Cinema D'Etat" (2000), "Dictator's Circus" (1999), and "Looziana Scandals and Scoundrels" (1998).
References
- ^ a b c
- ^ Le Krewe d'Etat. From: mardigrasunmasked.com. Retrieved October 20, 2007.
- ^ Le Krewe D'Etat's Website. From: lekrewedetat.com. Retrieved October 20, 2007.
External links
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