what is a krewe?
Krewes are organized groups that participate in parades or similar carnival events. The Krewe culture in the U.S. started with Mardi Gras in New Orleans. The Mardi Gras Krewe system expanded from New Orleans throughout Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. There are also Krewes in Pensacola, FL in Minnesota & Wisconsin.
Krewe Life
More about Krewes
In addition to parades, Krewes often also hold balls and many give back to their communities through charity efforts. They may hold various events throughout the year such as parties at members homes, Holiday events, Kentucky Derby parties, golf tournaments and travel excursions.
Tampa Bay Krewes
There are 68 Krewes that are members of the Tampa Bay Inter-Krewe Council. Most Tampa Bay Krewes participate in several parades in addition to Gasparilla. Tampa Bay also has the Knight’s Parade in Ybor City each February. This parade is held at night and participants sport glow gear. Tampa also has a St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Some Krewes also participate in parades in other areas like the De Soto Heritage Festival Grand Parade in Bradenton. Gasparilla has about 150 participating groups in the parade which includes the 66 Tampa Bay Krewes in addition to other organizations and Krewes from other areas.
Inter-Krewe Council
The Tampa Bay Inter-Krewe Council (IKC) is a membership organization made up of the current 68 Krewes. The purpose of the IKC is " to foster a spirit of cooperation and camaraderie among the member krewes and to provide a forum for information about the parades and other krewe-related activities ." The IKC has quarterly meetings and an annual multi-day event for all the member Krewes.
Joining a Krewe
Typically, people are invitied to join a Krewe from someone they know. Some Krewes hold events to meet perspective new members. In Tampa Bay there is a "Krewe Rush" each fall where those interested in joining a Krewe can view booths or some of the Krewes, meet some of the members and get information about joining. The last Krewe Rush was September 2024 at the OCC Roundhouse.
What does it cost to be in a Krewe?
Krewes have annual membership fees that range from a few hundred dollars annually to thousands of dollars. Some of the large "legacy" Krewes are strictly invited only and have higher fees. In addition to the annual fees, there may be costume expenses, beads and fees for special events or transportation. Many Krewes also secure hotel room blocks near the parade routes as an option to members.
Tampa bay krewe parade floats
