Krewe du Vieux
parade & the Krewe of Drips & Discharges, Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA
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The Krewe du Vieux is a non-profit organization
dedicated to the historical and traditional concept of a Mardi Gras
parade as a venue for individual creative expression and satirical
comment. It is unique among
all Mardi Gras parades because it alone carries on the old Carnival
traditions, by using decorated, hand or mule-drawn floats with satirical
themes, accompanied by costumed revelers dancing in the streets to the
sounds of jazzy street musicians.
We believe in exposing the world to the true nature of Mardi Gras
– and in exposing ourselves to the world. |
At 13 years old, The Krewe of Drips & Discharges
reaches puberty in 2005! |
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Le Monde de
Merde
Le Monde de Merde archives provided courtesy of Krewe du Vieux. All rights reserved. The
official 2004 parade route
1993 was the first year the
Drips & Discharges took to the streets for our first “annual stumble
through the French Quarter”.
Seven of our current members were there – although none of us seem to
have any memory of the event!
They are: Jim & Tonia Aiken, Julie Bounds, Ellen Hall, Eileen
Duffy McKeown, Norman McSwain and Sandra Pelas. DRIPS & DISCHARGES HISTORY and Roster of Characters
(1993-2004) Themes
& Royalty from
Years Past with links to the Drips & Discharges’ Le Monde de
Merde Articles & other memorabilia. All
information and photos provided courtesy of Eileen McKeown
PRIOR YEAR THEMES & ROYALTY:
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The
“Unofficial, Underground” Krewe of
Drips & Discharges Web Page A Sub
Krewe of the Krewe du Vieux No information
contained on this site is in any way endorsed or authorized by the Krewe
Welcome This web site is the home of the
Krewe of Drips & Discharges, a Sub Krewe of the Krewe du Vieux parade
organization. The Drips &
Discharges was born in the Emergency Room of Touro Infirmary, about two weeks
before parade day in 1993, and was the “brain child” of our founding member
and Captain, Dr. Jim Aiken. Many
of our founding members work in the healthcare profession – therein lies the
reasoning (or lack thereof) behind our name. As one of the original members, and Secretary and
Treasurer for 10 years, and with a passion for fun and a love for our Krewe,
I have offered the information, history and photos shared on this site for
your pleasure and entertainment.
I hope you enjoy your visit!
- Eileen
************************************************** AKA – The
“MUTHA” of all Krewes! The Krewe
du Vieux is a Mardi Gras parade that kicks off the Mardi Gras season in New
Orleans each year. We are the
only Mardi Gras organization to get a “legal” permit to parade through the
French Quarter. Although,
technically, we are not an “official” parade – and really don’t want to be. (Then, we’d have to follow
rules!). A “marching” parade,
our members take to the streets each year, in lieu of riding on floats. Getting “up close and personal” with
the crowds makes them feel a part of our revelry, and only adds to the magic
of our annual stumble through the French Quarter. In 2003, our 17th
year, we reached the 900-member mark, making us one of the largest Mardi Gras
organizations in the city. We
are the ONLY Mardi Gras parade that still adheres to the old traditions of
Carnival, as it used to be, 100+ years ago. Mule or hand drawn floats, costumed revelers dancing in
the streets, jazz musicians, and satirical themes that poke fun at all those
things you’re not suppose to talk about in public – politics, sex &
religion! HEY - it’s Carnival, and
all in good fun, Each year, the
MUTHA Krewe comes up with an idea for a theme. The 17 Sub Krewes then take that theme and apply their own
individual interpretations.
Floats and costumes are all the creative work of the members – and
“creative work” is an understatement by anyone’s definition. We have no corporate sponsors, and no
paid vendors who are members of the Krewe. We are truly a work of love made possible each year by the
hard work and dedication of the members themselves. A not-for-profit
organization, the Krewe du Vieux is funded solely through its
membership. Our strong
dedication to promoting New Orleans music and its musicians makes it possible
for us to share the streets of the French Quarter each year with 19 of the
city’s finest jazz/brass bands, including Treme, Li’l Rascals, Storyville
Stompers, Li’l Stooges, Newbirth, Mo’ Lasses & the Paulin Brothers, to
name a few. The Kazoozie
Floozies also make an annual appearance with the Krewe. We’ve enjoyed the privilege of having
some of the most talented personalities in the city reign as our
Royalty! A purely New Orleans
effort! Born in 1987, the Krewe du Vieux originated out of the ruins of the now-defunct Krewe of Clones organization. Some folks just can’t get enough of a good thing! Visit the Krewe du Vieux web site at www.kreweduvieux.org for more information. |
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This site is provided courtesy of Eileen
McKeown All photos Ó Copyright 2004 Eileen McKeown Please feel free to visit our internet
home at www.getaway44.com |
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