Ancient Druids reign over Uptown with rain theme (photo gallery)

The 22nd annual Krewe of Ancient Druids parade rolled Wednesday (Feb. 19) with 250 male members on 18 floats. The “Druids Rain” theme was seen in float titles such as “When it Rains it Pours,” “Come Rain or Shine,” and “Saving for a Rainy Day.” Riders tossed a variety of lighted throws, including wands, beads and clappers. Plush golden acorns and a special gold doubloon in the shape of an acorn were handed out in recognition of the Golden Acorn Society, which sponsors the club’s carnival activities. Some sources say the krewe takes its name from the ancient Druids of Great Britain while other reports say club members all claim to be direct descendants of members of Mystic Krewe of Druids, which followed the Rex parade from 1922 to 1935.

Actor Indya Moore talks liberation at Audre Lorde Days event at Tulane

By Jesse Baum, Uptown Messenger

Actor and model Indya Moore spoke at Tulane University on Monday (Feb. 17). Moore is best known for the role of Angel Evangelista in the FX drama Pose.

They are also openly transgender and non-binary (hence the use of the plural non-gendered pronoun to refer to one person).

The event, part of Audre Lorde Days at Tulane, was hosted by the office for Gender and Sexual Diversity at Tulane, the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Carolyn Barber Pierre Center for Intercultural Life.

Audre Lorde Days offer opportunities during spring semester for students, faculty, staff and community members to come together to “develop tools for using human difference as a springboard for creative change,”according to Tulane’s website.

King Arthur takes its 20th legendary ride through Uptown (photo gallery)

The Krewe of King Arthur parade rolled Sunday (Feb. 16) with 1,750 male and female members riding on more than 50 floats. The theme of the 43rd parade was “20 Years in Downtown New Orleans.” The krewe was organized in 1977 as a West Bank group, moving their parade to New Orleans in 2001. William Linzy reigned as King Arthur XLIII and Jennifer Frazier as Queen Guinevere XLIII. High school marching band and walking clubs, including the Amelia Earhawts, the NOLA Cherry Bombs and Ain’t Misbehavin’ Social Club. The coveted throw of the parade was a hand-decorated grail, especially the one-off It also gives away the Grail of Grails, especially the commissioned jeweled metal chalice.

Carrollton rolls in a rainbow of colors (photo gallery)

The Krewe of Carrollton rolled through Uptown Sunday (Feb. 16) with floats decorated in a rainbow of colors representing this year’s them “Color My World.” The captain and lieutenants led the parade on horseback with the 575-member male krewe riding 27 floats. High school marching bands and dance groups, including the infamous 610 Stompers and Pussyfooters, participated in the parade, which is one of the oldest to roll in New Orleans. Erik Youngblood and Katherine Wood reigned as King and Queen Carrollton XCVI. Some of the coveted throws were coloring books, playing cards, Carrollton medallion beads and the ever-popular decorated shrimp boot.

Femme Fatale parade spreads the love (photo gallery)

The Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale’s seventh annual parade rolled almost an hour late Sunday (Feb. 16) to avoid the worst of the rain. A loyal crowd dressed in rain gear lined the route as over 750 female krewe members tossed coveted Cherchez La Femme signature beads, sunglasses, light wands and lip-shaped flasks. The most sought-after throw was the bedazzled mirror compact. Floats followed the love songs parade theme with float titles such as Lovebug, Higher Love, Vision of Love and Endless Love. Grand Marshalls were New Orleans’ renowned vocalist Wanda Rouzan and City Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen.

Rolling today: Femme Fatale, Carrollton, King Arthur

Rain came down Sunday morning as krewes, marching groups and parade aficionados prepared for the final day of the first weekend of Uptown parades. The National Weather Service put Sunday morning’s precipitation chance at 100% — not the best odds. But there is hope — the rain is expected to clear out in the afternoon, with warmer temps and a remaining chance of isolated showers only.

Pygmalion travels to Italy by way of Uptown (photo gallery)

The Krewe of Pygmalion rolled Uptown Saturday (Feb. 15) with 550 male and female members aboard 25 floats. “Viaggia In Italia” (Travel to Italy) was the theme of the 21st annual parade which also included marching bands and dance groups. Cary Oswald and Kalli Mercer reigned as King and Queen Pygmalion XXI. Float riders tossed lighted themed logo beads, wands, Venetian masks, roses and bracelets.