Mystic Krewe of Nyx

Mystic Krewe of Nyx

The first new full-fledged Carnival parade in Orleans Parish since before Hurricane Katrina, Nyx won approval from the City Council on a 6-0 vote to amend the 2012 calendar and schedule Nyx after the Druids parade on the Uptown route the Wednesday before Mardi Gras.

The city’s last new parading krewe was Morpheus in 2002, a year after Muses and the Knights of Chaos made their debuts.

From their web site:

“Three native New Orleans women always loved the traditions, pagentry, and fun of Mardi Gras.  For years they admired the floats and loved the bands.  They enjoyed how much the kids’ faces would light up when they caught stuffed or beaded treasures. The women adored how the crowds screamed to the riders  “Throw me something!”

The mystique and masquerade of Mardi Gras day filled with history and excitement, had always been the most favorite holiday of the year for the three.  The ladies rode in parades and enjoyed the Ball Masques and parties that accompanied them, but something was always missing.

The feeling of unity and originality was somewhat lacking.  So the ladies decided to create their own Mardi Gras organization and the Mystic Krewe of Nyx was born.

It’s a tradition in Mardi Gras that the names of the Krewes are usually after Gods or Goddesses in Greek or Roman mythology. Nyx was the Greek Goddess of night.  The three knew they wanted to parade at night and be the goddesses of the streets of New Orleans during their ride.

Bringing together women of diverse backgrounds and enhancing the spirit of Mardi Gras for the community is the vision for the Krewe.  Embracing a little bit of tradition, with a twist of new and fun ideas, is what makes the Krewe of Nyx so special. All women are goddesses no matter what age they are.  Every woman deserves to be adored, respected, and made to feel beautiful.”

32 full-fledged parades will roll in Orleans Parish this year, including five on the West Bank, plus five walking clubs on the uptown route on Mardi Gras.

They claim to have 280 female members so far, and are still looking for a few good new members.