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. 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. [ [http://www.mardigrasunmasked.com/maps/LeKrewedEtat.htm Le Krewe d'Etat] . From: mardigrasunmasked.com. Retrieved October 20, 2007.] Membership is open, but the krewe has elected to keep the organization small.

The krewe eschews monarch, in favor of a figurehead known simply as "The Dictator," whose identity is held secret. The Dictator's "court" includes the kingfish, the special man, the minister of misinformation, the keeper of the bones and the high priest.McCulley, R. [http://www.lekrewedetat.com/Kingfish/kingfish.htm You say you want a revolution?] . "Kingfish". January 2002.]

d'Etat's motto is "Vivite ut Vehatis. Vehite ut Vevatis," which roughly translates to “Live to Ride, Ride to Live.” [ [http://www.lekrewedetat.com/ Le Krewe D'Etat's Website] . From: lekrewedetat.com. Retrieved October 20, 2007.]

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.

References

External links

* [http://www.lekrewedetat.com/ Le Krewe D'Etat's Website]
* [http://www.nola.com/mardigras/photos/gallery.ssf?cgi-bin/view_gallery.cgi/nola/view_gallery.ata?g_id=5239 The "Times-Picayune"'s photo gallery of Le Krewe D'Etat]
* [http://www.flickr.com/photos/sazerac/sets/72057594083235628/ Flickr user Chuck T.'s photo set of Le Krewe d'Etat]
* [http://www.pbase.com/amberlecom/detat_line_up Photos of Le Krewe d'Etat's line up at the intersection of Napoleon and Tchapatoulas Avenues]
* [http://www.mardigrasparadeschedule.com/krewes/detat/2007pictures/ Photos from 2007's d'Etat parade]