How to Join a Mardi Gras Krewe

For Louisiana locals, Mardi Gras is a way of life that goes well beyond the month of revelry most tourists experience. For those new to the area, it can be difficult not only to find a good Mardi Gras krewe, but also to join one. Keep reading to find out how to join the krewe that's right for you.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Link up with the local celebration. One thing to remember is that, while this is a celebration largely associated with New Orleans, that isn't the only city that shares in the party. In fact, the birthplace of Mardi Gras is Mobile, Alabama. That said, you don't need to live in New Orleans or even Southern Louisiana to participate in a krewe. You just need to live in an area that celebrates Mardi Gras.

2. Understand that all krewes are different. Some allow out-of-town members, others allow out-of-town riders (provided they are closely related to a member), and still others believe "the more the merrier," and will pretty much let anyone join the Mardi Gras party. There are those krewes, however, that trace their roots and do not allow people without deep ties to the local community to become members.

3. Find a group of people you like and ask if they're involved with a particular krewe. They are, after all, people you may be spending a lot of time with throughout the year. Once you've found a krewe you're interested in joining, find out the requirements. They vary from one krewe to the next, although most krewes require some sort of time and monetary commitment.

4. Check out each krewe's website. Most of them have entered into the information age and created a website filled with valuable information, including how to apply to or join the organization.

Tips & Warnings

• If you aren't picky about the krewe you wish to join, there are plenty from which to choose. The problem is that once you do become selective, so do many of the organizations. You may have to wait and earn an invitation rather than seeking them out to join.