Legion of Mars, Krewe of Ponchartrain, Choctaw, Freret, & etc...

How does New Orleans salute active military, veterans, and first responders? With a red, white & blue patriotic procession, of course! The Legion of Mars parade is the first to honor all those who have served. Sponsored by the Cincinnatis Club, the krewe was founded by combat veterans in 2013.

A partnership with the City of New Orleans, the procession includes first responders, law enforcement personnel, and veterans from through the country, tossing Mars-themed throws. A highlight of the parade is a float carrying Purple Heart recipients (Wounded Warriors). They ride free of charge thanks community sponsors and the krewe.

Along with their parade, Mars participates year-round in military related philanthropy, including feeding Veterans on Veterans Day at the VA hospital. The krewe also helps active military, veterans, and first responders when they are in need, such as following natural disasters.
Pontchartrain rolls on the first Saturday of the official New Orleans Mardi Gras season with some of Mardi Gras’ most memorable floats, such as “Mr. Mudbug” (the world’s largest crawfish) and a giant fish dubbed “The Super Grouper.” Organized in 1975 and named after Lake Pontchartrain, this fun krewe includes both men and women riders. Past grand marshals have included Allen Toussaint, Red Buttons, Bart Simpson, Irma Thomas, Jim Henderson, and Becky Allen.

Along with the parade, the Pontchartrain experience also includes the Coronation ball, a celebration luncheon at Galatoire’s, a second line parade on Bourbon Street, a Balcony Party at Johnny White's Bar, and a Captain's Coffee.

Year founded: 1976
Membership: 400 males and female riders
Number of floats: 17 floats
Although this social club was founded in 1935, the Krewe of Choctaw didn’t have their first parade until 1939 when they bought ten old mail wagons from the U.S. Government – the chassis for the first Choctaw carnival parade floats. They used the New Orleans Sanitation garage and a U.S. Naval Station warehouse as dens before moving to their lair in Algiers.

Formerly a West Bank parade, today the Krewe of Choctaw follows the traditional Uptown route in New Orleans. It rolls on the first Saturday of the carnival season. Men, women and children are welcome to join. The krewe holds events throughout the year, including the Chief Choctaw Pub Crawl, Chief’s Red Beans & Rice Dinner, Chief Choctaw’s Big Pow Wow and an annual golf tournament.

Year founded: 1935
Membership: 275 male and female riders+ children
Number of floats: 16 floats
Signature throw: hand decorated tomahawks

The Krewe of Freret paraded for more than 40 years until the mid-1990s. In 2011, the resurgence of the krewe began with seven Loyola graduates who wanted to unify enthusiastic young professionals and infuse vigor into Carnival while revitalizing the Freret corridor.

Today, the co-ed Krewe of Freret is known for its penchant for locally produced throws, including hand-decorated masks the members create themselves.

Every year, Krewe of Freret royalty is crowned at a public coronation ceremony held at Royal Street and Elysian Fields Avenue immediately preceding Krewe du Vieux and Krewe Delusion. Other events include a Black-Tie Ball with popular local performers. Ticket sales benefit the Son of a Saint organization.

Year founded: 2014
Membership: 500 male and female riders
Number of floats: 18 floats + 3 superfloats
Signature throw: handcrafted masks