Krewe of Muses

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The Krewe of Muses is an all-female krewe or New Orleans Mardi Gras social organization--one of the few clubs with that distinction (see Krewe of Les Mysterieuse, Krewe of Isis, Krewe of Venus). The Muses first paraded during Mardi Gras in 2001. Since then, their krewe has grown to include nearly 1500 members.

The krewe's parade always "rolls" on the Wednesday or Thursday evening before Mardi Gras making it the only club exclusively for women that parades at night.

Besides being an all-female krewe, it is known for its unique, non-traditional mardi gras throws such as “mirrors, shoes, combs, purses and other fun 'girlie' goodies".^[1]

The Krewe of Muses is an inclusive organization that reflects the diversity of New Orleans. Membership is diverse racially and socio-economically.

The theme of the Krewe of Muses, which is kept a secret outside of the membership, is always satirical. Satire is an important aspect of Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans dating back to the earliest organizations. Past themes have been "Muses First Time Poking Fun at Women" (2001); "Muses Reach the Terrible Twos (2002)" (featuring puns such as "Two Timers" and "Two Sides to Every Story"); "Museology -the Lesser Known Gods and Goddesses(2003)" which satired the other carnival organization of the New Orleans; "The Weekly World Muse (2004)", which was a satirical look at tabloid journalism; "Muse TV (2005)"; "Muses Got Game (2006)" ; and "SuperMuse (2007)" which featured satirical super heroes. The organization produced and threw a comic book, "The Adventures of Supermuse".^[2]

In 2006, to honor the victims of Hurricane Katrina, the Muses had at the tail end of their parade an empty float which evoked the riderless horse that follows the caisson carrying the casket in a funeral procession.^[3] the final riderless float represented the mother of the Muses and the goddess of memory. Painted on the somber float were the words "We celebrate life, we mourn the past, we shall never forget."

Each year, in addition to their year-long philanthropic works, the Muses host a design contest for students in the area. The winner has his or her design turned into a throw cup. ^[4]

Honorary Muses have included Brenda Marie Osbey, the Poet Laureate of the State of Louisiana and New Orleans-based jazz singer Charmaine Neville. Bands that have marched with the Muses' parade have included The Ninth Ward Marching Band ^[5] and the Revolutionary Snake Ensemble.

The Krewe of Muses has presented several award-winning displays.^[4]