Krewe Du Vieux - Crimes Against Nature
When you think of Mardi Gras parades, most people have heard of the Bacchus parade, with their celebrity Kings, or the Rex parade, the symbol of traditional New Orleans Mardi Gras. But do you know about the best known of the lesser-known Krewes?
Krewe du Vieux has long been known by locals as the first parade of the Mardi Gras season. Although it is not listed in the traditional parade lineup, it is one of the most fun and festive parades.
Krewe du Vieux rolled this year on February 4, 2012, which puts it outside of the “traditional” Mardi Gras parade roster. Being outside of the legal window that is permitted parades of the 12 days before Mardi Gras gives Krewe du Vieux an edge that other parade krewes don’t have.
They are always irreverent and bawdy, usually politically incorrect and topical. The theme for 2012 was “Crimes Against Nature.” The various subkrewes will portray their own interpretations of the theme, and are sure to be clever and creative.
This year’s subkrewes included the Krewe of C.R.U.D.E., Krewe of Space Age Love, Krewe of Underwear, Seeds of Decline, Krewe of Mama Roux, Krewe of L.E.W.D., Krewe of Drips and Dis- charges, Krewe of K.A.O.S., Knights of Mondu, T.O.K.I.N., Krewe Rue Bourbon, Krewe de C.R.A.P.S., Mystic Krewe of Spermes, Mystic Krewe of Comatose, Mystic Krewe of Inane, and Krewe du Mishigas, as well as many of the city’s marching bands.
Queen of Krewe du Vieux for 2012 was Deon Haywood, Executive Director of Women With A Vision.
“I’m truly honored and excited to be the Queen,” she said, “What better Krewe to roll with? Krewe du Vieux is the only group of people that can truly make fun of the screwed-up kinds of laws we have in this state. You have to be a part of something — 2012 is not the year to stand still! Find something you believe in and be part of it. Along the way, drink and be merry and enjoy Mardi Gras in all its glory!”
The Krewe du Vieux parade will be followed was once again by the new Krewe Delusion parade, made up of walking krewes and bands and continuing the mood of irreverent mayhem.
