Chewbacchus costs $42 for an adult, and $21for a child. My own Krewe du Vieux is under $200. I don’t know what costs, but I know it’s very cheap.

What all this means is you can have one hell of a time from the inside of Mardi Gras krewe for not too many shekels. That’s real democracy in action!

Back in the day, krewes were both exclusive and costly. A super krewe such as Bacchus, Orpheus, and Endymion cost a small fortune, just for the throws. Is it more enjoyable to ride with a big, expensive krewe?  I think not, since I have ridden with Tucks several times and with KdV more than that.

All krewes are fun, and there are all kinds of krewes. Depending on your budget, there’s a lot of fun to be had. In my opinion, it’s a lot of fun to experience Carnival from a spectator’s vantage point, but it’s even more fun to ride or walk with your own krewe.

Float 4, Krewe du Vieux 2012

Float 4, Krewe du Vieux 2012

Tit Rex Float

'tit Rəx Float

Krewe of Chewbacchus Inaugural March Participants

Krewe of Chewbacchus Inaugural March Participants photo Ian McNulty