One question that is asked over and over by the new participants, every year is:
What is a Non-parading Krewe or Org?
Well the technically correct answer to that question is
Carnival Organization
n. New Orleans
*Today you can join any number of Carnival organizations without being a hereditary pledge. Most Orgs now however only accept applications for membership to certain periods. They also have to invite you to join.
Regional Note: In order to organize and stage the enormous Mardi Gras carnival every year, many New Orleans families have formed or been a part of for generations, special societies, Carnival organizations , or groups that create extremely elaborate costumes and society balls for the many Mardi Gras revelers that converge on the city in the eight weeks leading up to “Fat Tuesday.” As leaders of New Orleans society, they hold balls and other elaborate events, during the carnival season, which lasts from just after Thanksgiving up to Mardi Gras Day itself.These organizations, groups, and societies, used to be responsible for bringing young ladies of prominent families, into full view of polite civilization or society. This would normally signal that the young lady has reached the age of maturity and is now eligible to court (or the modern term is; date). The practice was frequently referred to, as "coming out parties or sweet sixteen balls", since, that was the age most families adhered too. These annual balls which were held about this time of year, evolved into the carnival society balls we see today, some in certain circles, is the climax of the Mardi Gras celebration. Thanks to the association with Mardi Gras and New Orleans high society, these orgs has taken on some of the mystique of Carnival.
The word krewe has come lately, most incorrectly (mostly because of mis-information and mis-understanding ) to mean any Carnival group or organization.
What a Carnival Organization is !
Technically, If the organization or group, fails to do, any one of the following;
mainly (a) holds a parade which, (b) utilizes floats and/or bands or (c) has the celebration of Carnival as it's main purpose, or (d) holds a ball,
If any of the preceding conditions are not met, they are said to be a Carnival organization, club or group. Examples of non-krewe clubs and org's are, Second Line clubs, the Mardi Gras Indians, Marching clubs, Society Ball organizations which sole purpose is to sponsor and put forth balls, and various other groups.
There are no exceptions, to this rule. Organizations, such as the Original Illinois Club, was never formed to celebrate Carnival or parade, but rather to hold a ball, and their young daughters and young men up the the eye of society. Because these balls were annually held about this time of year, they were thrown in to the mystique of Carnival.
Most however now use Carnival as one of the themes to attract members and uphold the practice as part of the Carnival circuit.
Also see " What is King's Day ? "
