Le Krewe d'Etat is a satirical New Orleans Mardi Grashelp krewe that was first organized ir 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," 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.[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.
Throughout history there have been many notable dictators.
Like most dictators, The Dictator, came to power during a time of crisis. The people were looking for a savior, a knight in shining armor to rescue the kingdom of carnival from death and despair. Mardi Gras had fallen into the hands of hucksters and marketeers aiming to make a buck. More interested in the selling of Mardi Gras than the celebrating of Mardi Gras. Things had been forgotten that shouldn’t, things faded from memories of days long ago and could no longer be remembered. The light that illuminated carnival for over a century had grown dim. The public ached for change and had none. The situation was dire, indeed.
In a classic coup d‘etat, The Dictator and his legion of irreverent revelers seized control of Mardi Gras and forever changed it. Pulling carnival from the doldrums and out of the greedy hands of the low minded, The Dictator set the stage for Le Krewe d’Etat to ascend to its rightful place in Mardi Gras lore.
| Le Krewe d'Etat | |
|---|---|
| Year | Theme |
| 2011 | Le Krewe D'Etat's Wide Woild of Sports |
| 2010 | D'Etat's Inferno |
| 2009 | The Dictator Does Broadway |
| 2008 | Le Krewe d'Etat's Dirty Dishes |
| 2007 | KDTV in Dictavision |
| 2006 | D'Olympics d'Etat |
| 2005 | Tarot d'Etat |
| 2004 | Malice in Wonderland |
| 2003 | Tales Told by Idiots |
| 2002 | Rock Around d'Etat |
| 2001 | D'Etat.com |
| 2000 | Cinema D'Etat |
| 1999 | Dictator's Circus |
| 1998 | Looziana Scandals and Scoundrels |
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