A Long Tradition
Gay Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans have been a tradition since the 1950s. That year the first krewe was formed and it was the Krewe of Yuga or "KY" for short. The idea was to satirize the celebrations of the straight upper class whose traditions were in vogue during that period. Things really picked up in the 1980s and at that time there were dozens of Gay Mardi Gras krewes. Always very popular, the balls required formal dress. The participants were known for their outlandish costumes. Unfortunately the number of krewes have declined since their heyday and not for the reasons you might suspect. It was the AIDS virus that was able to put a stop to a lot of the festivities and many in the big hearted Gay community decided to put their money into research to halt this dreaded disease rather that celebrate in the usual way.
The Tradition now
>That brings us to the present. Currently in New Orleans there are eight Gay carnival organizations - Mystic Krewe of Satyricon, Krewe of Queenateenas, Lords of Leather, People of Substance, Krewe of Petronius, Krewe of Amon Ra, Krewe of Mwindo, and the Krewe of Armeinius. These organizations stage magnificent, elegant Ball Masques and costume contests.While all of these galas are exceptional and fun to participate in, there is one more jewel in the Mardi Gras crown to mention. On Mardi Gras day the Annual Bourbon Street Awards Show presents the ultimate costume contest. This you have to see to believe. The show begins at noon at 800 Bourbon Street corner of St. Ann (OZ). According to their site the awards categories include: Best Drag, Best Leather, Best Group and the Grand Prize Best of Show with 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in each category. A $500 prize is also awarded for the Best Overall Costume.
More Fun At Other Times of the Year
Mardi Gras isn't the only time to celebrate Gay culture in New Orleans. Labor Day weekend brings Southern Decadence, the other Gay Mardi Gras. Why not make both events?
